(NOVEMBER, 17, 2014) --- Division III men’s ice hockey returns to Lake Placid, N.Y. and the famed Herb Brooks Arena 1980 Rink. From January 2-3, four of the east’s top teams will square off in the New Year’s College Hockey Classic. The Classic will bring back two brothers, who grew up in Lake Placid, and are now coaches, Middlebury’s Bill Beany and Southern Maine’s Jeff Beany. Bill has guided the Panther’s program for 28 seasons and has led Middlebury to eight national championships. Jeff is beginning his 27^th season on the Southern Maine bench. His 253 wins are the most in school history. The other schools participating include St. Michaels College and Hobart.

WHAT: Inaugural New Year’s College Hockey Classic

WHO: Division III men’s ice hockey teams Hobart College (ECAC West), Southern Maine (ECAC East), St. Michaels (ECAC East) and Middlebury (New England Small College Athletic Conference)

WHEN: Jan. 2, 2015 Southern Maine vs. Hobart, 4 p.m., Middlebury vs. St. Michaels, 7 p.m. Jan. 3, 2105 Southern Maine vs. St. Michaels, 4 p.m., Middlebury vs. Hobart, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Lake Placid, N.Y., Herb Brooks Arena, 1980 Rink, 2634 Main St., Lake Placid, NY 12946

Media planning on covering the New Year’s College Hockey Classic must complete and return the attached media credential request form to Jon Lundin, ORDA public relations, email: jlundin@orda.org, fax: 518-523-9275.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.