HAMILTON, N.Y. – The Colgate University men’s ice hockey team will begin its defense of the ECAC regular-season title on Friday, Nov. 5, when the Raiders host league foe Brown in Colgate’s first conference game of the 2004-05 season. Games against the Bears and the Crimson of Harvard will be the highlights of Colgate’s annual Silver Puck Weekend, Nov. 5-6.

The centerpiece of the Raiders’ schedule is a New Year’s tournament at defending national champion Denver. In March, the Pioneers defeated Maine to capture their first NCAA title in 35 years. Colgate will play Northeastern on Jan. 1, then take on either Denver or Air Force in the second game.

The Raiders open their season on the road against Ferris State, Oct. 8-9. Colgate fans will have their first opportunity to watch the team in action at the home opener on Friday, Oct. 15, versus Lake Superior State.

Colgate will play seven consecutive home games in late October and into November, and will enjoy a five-game home stand through the end of January leading up to the annual home-and-home series versus Cornell. The area rivals face off at Starr Rink on Friday, Feb. 4, before battling at Lynah Rink on Saturday, Feb. 5.

The 2004-05 season marks the return of head coach Don Vaughan to the bench. Vaughan, who served as Colgate’s interim director of athletics last season, will coach beside associate head coach Stan Moore, who was named the ECAC Coach of the Year last season while acting as the Raiders’ interim head coach. Colgate will also welcome back 2003-04 ECAC Defensive Forward of the Year Jon Smyth, ECAC All-Rookie Team selection Mike Campaner, and All-ECAC Honorable Mention goaltender Steve Silverthorn.