In Oregon’s debut game of the 2004-05 season Friday, the Ducks had no problem finding the back of the net as they scored five goals in the first two periFive players scored in the match, with all of the goals coming in the first and second periods. Forward Ted Martin scored Oregon’s fifth and final goal of the game with 3:16 to go in the second period. Oregon was held scoreless in the third period, but the Ducks held off a two-goal comeback by the Bulldogs and went on to
win their first non-conference game of the
season, 5-4.
“We definitely had some nerves the first game,” defender Whit Ackerman said. “No one knew what to expect, but we calmed down a bit in Saturday’s game.”
In the second game of the series, forward Ryan Jones scored Oregon’s only two goals of the contest as the Ducks swept Gonzaga,
winning 2-1.
Oregon’s success during the weekend can be attributed to freshman goalie Matt Nuernberg’s play. Coordinator Justin Keeland said his team would have struggled if Nuernberg had not played as well in front of the net.
“Our goaltender kept us in both games,” Keeland said. “He’s one of the best goaltenders we have had in a while.”
The Ducks will compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Pac-8 League, which includes California, Stanford, UCLA, Southern California, Washington, Washington State and Western Washington.
Last year, Oregon struggled during the regular season, winning only eight games and finishing with an 8-15 record.
This season, the players predict a different outcome.
“We are more serious, have a good group of guys and the talent level is much higher,” Ackerman said. “This year, people are coming out and playing to win. People aren’t just coming out to have a good time.”
In addition to 14 new names on the roster, Oregon also welcomes a new coaching staff. According to forward Ben Winegar, head coach Scott McCallum has changed the tone of
the program.
“We practice twice as much and twice as hard,” Winegar said. “We do a lot more dry land training, and we make the most out of every practice.”
Ackerman said Oregon’s toughest competition will be Washington and defending Pac-8 champion Cal. USC will be another force in league play, but the Ducks do not face the Trojans during regular season action.
Although Oregon is content with its 2-0 non-conference record, the Ducks know this weekend was a mere warm-up for games to come.
“If we thought this game was tough, all I have to say is wait until we start playing teams in the Pac-8,” Ackerman said.
The Ducks will host their first Pac-8 season games when they take on Stanford at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Lane County Ice Arena. Stanford is the only team the Ducks swept last season.

Kirsten McEwen is a freelance
reporter for the Daily Emerald