October 1, 2002 — Record crowds are expected this year, when the puck drops at Skatin’ Utes home hockey games. There are several reasons club organizers, coaches and players are expecting to increase their fan base for the 2002-2003 season. First, new players are providing a boost to an already good team.
The team is also moving into a sparkling new facility. The Steiner Ice Arena was built on the University of Utah campus for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games. With two full ice sheets and a seating capacity of 3,500, the Skatin” Utes are now proud to call Steiner home.
Perhaps the biggest draw for potential new fans is the unprecedented agreement worked out with health care professionals to provide health screenings at 12 of 18 home games. Tickets on those nights are just $1, in contrast to the normal $5 general admission and $2 student admission.
Skatin’ Utes coach Stan Weiss says this season should be one to remember. “We are going to put a very good team on the ice this year and the new arena means a lot more fans can see us play. I am thrilled to be part of the program to provide health benefits to the community and I hope people take advantage of it.”
The first healthcare screening game will be “Influenza Prevention Night” Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., when the Skatin” Utes take on Cal Long Beach. Free flu shots will be given to anyone attending the game. Club sponsor Caligor provides this benefit and the shots will be administered by the College of Nursing and College of Pharmacy. Other healthcare screening nights are sponsored by a variety of health care companies and organizations (see list below).
The U is supporting the healthcare screening nights on several levels. The entire program is under the direction of Joe Strain, Pharm.D., Pharmacy Practice Resident. University of Utah Hospitals & Clinics is providing financial support and its personnel are conducting the screening and education sessions. The University’s Office of Marketing and Communications has developed a campaign to promote the games and the screening/education opportunities for the public.
The Skatin’ Utes are looking for some good results from the team thanks to the addition of some new players. Coach Weiss particularly excited about three players who transferred from Weber State University. Forward Bret Fuller was an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) All-American. The other two are forward Chad Wilcox and Defenseman Bo Johnson. Local standout rookie D.J. Jelitto is also expected to provide a spark.
Schedule of Healthcare Screenings for the 2002-2003 Season:
Date | Healthcare Screening | Game | Sponsor |
10/04/02 | Influenza Prevention Night | Cal-Long Beach | Caligor |
10/18/02 | Vision Care Night | San Jose | Moran Eye Center |
10/25/02 | Heart Smart Night | Boise State | Pfizer |
11/09/02 | Poison Prevention Night | Weber State | Baxter Healthcare |
11/21/02 | Smoke Out Night | Arizona State | GlaxoSmithKline |
12/06/02 | Nutrition Awareness Night | BYU | Omnicell |
12/07/02 | Stroke Prevention Night | Weber State | Genetech |
12/14/02 | Clot Awareness Night | Weber State | Aventis Pharmaceuticals |
01/11/03 | Colon Cancer Prevention Night | Utah State | Carmel Pharma |
01/18/03 | Mental Health Night | Washington | Cardinal Healthcare |
02/07/03 | Headache Awareness Night | Weber State | GlaxoSmithKline |
02/14/03 | Diabetes Education Night | BYU | Bristol-Myers Squibb |