By Warren Kozireski —
The Tim Horton’s Iceplex in Rochester was dotted with hockey jerseys from Bowling Inexperienced, Oswego, Clarkson and Nazareth as hockey alumni traveled miles to be a part of Nazareth head coach George Roll’s remaining house sport as he retires following a 28-year faculty teaching profession—all in New York State.
Roll began this system in 2012 and the Golden Flyers defeated Geneseo 3-2 in time beyond regulation of their first sport. Full circle second 13 years later and Nazareth once more defeated the Knights 7-4.
“With the quantity of fellows who got here again and the hassle from our group tonight it’s very emotional when it’s the tip of the street, however I’m so happy with the way in which we performed tonight,” Roll stated. “It’s similar to the way in which we performed after we beat them the primary time.”
The Illinois native performed 4 seasons with Bowling Inexperienced profitable a nationwide championship in 1984 earlier than embarking on his teaching profession starting as a graduate assistant at his alma mater for one yr previous to taking over residence in New York.
Seven years as an assistant at Clarkson College preceded his first head teaching job at Oswego State in 1996-97 and SYUNYAC title in 2003. Seven years later Division I got here calling and Roll headed again to Clarkson as head coach and received a league championship in 2007. Eight years later and following a yr off, he was charged with beginning up the lads’s hockey program at Nazareth Faculty the place he simply wrapped up his 13th and remaining season.
“It was a particular night time and one which I’ll always remember. A variety of my Bowling Inexperienced associates got here again from faculty, some Potsdam folks; it simply means rather a lot to me. You are concerned concerning the wins and losses a lot, however it’s concerning the relationships and friendships that matter.
“I’m actually grateful to be part of Naz hockey; it’s been an excellent run for me.”
Hanging on his workplace door within the hockey locker room advanced hangs an indication that claims, “A very good coach can change a yr, A terrific coach can change a life.”
Certainly.
(Picture offered by Nazareth Faculty Hockey Athletic Division)
