CHARLESTON, SC: Last year the Citadel planned a hockey tour of Scotland and England with a group of players from the Citadel and the Naval Academy. This year 
they are joining together again, with additional help from some other military academies, to plan a tour of Germany. The United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy will be joining the Citadel and United States Naval Academy this year. More details on the tour will follow, as the details are still being worked out.
To kick off this years series, we will be profiling each of the academies hockey programs. Each of the institutions was provided the same set of questions.
Our first feature will be on The Citadel. Coach: Ed Courtenay.D2 or D3? D3.
What league? ACCHL.
How long has the program been in existence? 17 years total but consecutively, last 10 years.
How many on average try out, and how many make the roster? We typically have 25-30 at tryout and cut roster to 20. We are expecting a big recruiting year and expect 30-35 at tryouts. Citadel is expecting a top goalie recruit from NJ and a transferring Center from Atlanta GA.
What is the overall enrollment number for the institution? 2000.
Where are your games played? Ice Palace, North Charleston, SC.
How many hours of practice per week? 2hr ice and 4hrs organized off ice. Corps is required to participate in daily 5am physical fitness formations 4 days per week.
How many games do you generally play per season? 25-28.
How much recruiting is done and how do you recruit? Recruiting is a tough gig because we are a military school that attracts a very specific breed. Because the program has grown in popularity over the years, we have found that more and more incoming cadets are coming because the program is a difference maker.
For the academies that have a D1 NCAA team, what are the differences in your programs, and does this help or hurt the club program? NA.
How many states do your players come from? 15. What was your record last year? 10-10; 2nd BRHC Conference.
How many seniors graduated last season? 2.
What fund raising is done, by whom, and how can people donate? Players are not required to fundraise but encouraged. Most donations are from alumni and typically 50-75k per year.
Thanks to Karl Buchanan for answering the questions for the Citadel.
Next up..The United States Naval Academy.
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