June 13, 2003

DETROIT - Wayne State University Director of Athletics Rob Fournier and men's ice hockey head coach Bill Wilkinson today announced the program's 2003-04 schedule.

"Our schedule reflects the standards we have set over the past four years," stated Wilkinson. "In order to achieve the type of team that will be ready to challenge for the CHA title you must continue to play the best schools in the country. Our schedule reflects those goals."

Another change will be WSU's home venue. After playing at the Great Lakes Sports City Arena in Fraser the past three years, the Warriors will now utilize the Compuware Sports Arena in Plymouth as their home arena. The November 8 contest against Niagara will be played at the Taylor SportsPlex.

"Playing at Compuware Arena is another positive step in building a quality Division I hockey program at Wayne State University," added Wilkinson. "We will have a first class facility for our players and beautiful building for our fans. We are all excited about being a part of the new era at Compuware."

Wayne State's upcoming schedule includes a 20-game College Hockey America schedule, four games against Central Collegiate Hockey Association foes, a trip west to face Denver and Colorado College and two trips east to face St. Lawrence and American International. WSU will also participate in North Dakota's holiday tournament.

WSU commences the 2003-04 campaign with the annual Green and Gold game on Saturday, Oct. 4. Face-off is slated for 3 p.m. at Compuware. Three days later the Warriors host Windsor in an exhibition contest before heading to Canton, New York, to face coach Wilkinson's alma mater, the St. Lawrence Saints.

WSU will play 12 consecutive games away from Detroit starting with a Nov. 20-21 series at Michigan State. After taking Thanksgiving weekend off, the Warriors visit Bemidji State and AIC on consecutive weekends, and then play in the North Dakota holiday tournament followed by four straight games in Colorado.

Kearney, Neb. will play host to the CHA Tournament for the second consecutive season. The 2004 Tournament will be held March 12-14 at the Tri-City Arena, with the champion again receiving an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Championships.

WSU has won the last three CHA tournaments and became just the second league member to participate in the NCAA tournament last March (and first to receive the automatic qualifier).