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<\/p>\nMore parking could boost Mercyhurst sports attendance<\/p>\n
Mercyhurst University recently\u00a0transitioned all of their athletic programming to the Division I status yet they don’t have enough parking to fill their stands. Mercyhurst recently cut the men’s hockey programming and made mention of their low attendance. I wonder if they ever considered attendance was low because parking is nonexistent. The ice rink sits in the middle of campus with a tiny lot that can hold maybe 50 cars. This singular parking lot is often closed for tailgating when other home games\u00a0are taking place. The\u00a0next closest parking lot is located on the north side of the gymnasium, an impossible walk for anyone with\u00a0the slightest disability.<\/p>\n
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Mercyhurst University men’s hockey coach Rick Gotkin (standing, green helmet) watches the Lakers during their Sept. 17, 2024, practice at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Here, a reader urges the school to add more parking to boost attendance at events on campus.<\/p>\n
If Mercyhurst’s athletic\u00a0department did any strategic planning, I sure hope it includes the construction\u00a0of a few parking garages on campus to allow fans the opportunity to attend games and events on campus.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Emily Durovchic, Erie<\/p>\n
More: Mercyhurst cuts men’s ice hockey from athletic program. What we know<\/a><\/p>\n 1 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey 1 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey 2 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n The Mercyhurst University and Ohio State men’s hockey teams warm up as fans arrive at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie on Oct. 25, 2019.<\/p>\n 3 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University fans Dan Kritkausky, center, and Mike Wtulich, right, both 21, joke with Ohio State sophomore Quinn Preston before a men’s hockey game at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie on Oct. 25, 2019.<\/p>\n 4 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University hockey player Joseph Duszak shows off a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater March 13 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center after signing a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs effective beginning in the 2019-20 season. He was the seventh Mercyhurst player to sign an NHL contract. Mercyhurst’s Duszak signs with Maple Leafs<\/a><\/p>\n 5 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Hockey fans show support for Mercyhurst University equipment manager Mike Folga before a men’s game on Fighting for Folgs Day at the Erie campus on Jan. 26, 2019. Longtime equipment manager Folga was battling cancer. Erie’s Folga headlines emotional event at Mercyhurst<\/a><\/p>\n 6 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mike Folga, equipment manager for the Mercyhurst University men’s hockey team, talks to the team before a game on Fighting for Folgs Day at the Erie campus on Jan. 26, 2019. Folga was being treated for cancer. Mercyhurst’s Folga dies at 63<\/a><\/p>\n 7 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University men’s hockey players surround Mike Folga, seated at center, during Folga’s visited the team’s locker room at the Mercyhurst Ice Center at the university’s Erie campus on Jan. 14, 2019. Folga, 63, had stage IV leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of smooth muscle tissue cancer that was discovered in his groin, Folga worked as an equipment manager and trainer in the NHL in the 1980s and 1990s and has been the Mercyhurst men’s equipment manager since 2000.<\/p>\n 8 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst’s Joseph Duszak, left, looks to pass around RIT’s Abbott Girduckis, center, and Regan Seiferling during the third period of a hockey game at the Mercyhurst Ice Center at Mercyhurst University in Erie on Nov. 3, 2018. The pass from Duszak to Taylor Best set up the Lakers’ second goal of the game, but the Lakers settled for a tie against the Tigers in the American Hockey Association matchup.<\/p>\n 9 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst’s Derek Barach plays in the third period against RIT on Nov. 3, 2018, at the Mercyhurst Ice Center at Mercyhurst University.<\/p>\n 10 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey 11 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University senior Brandon Wildung makes a stop against Sacred Heart during an Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinal at Mercyhurst University in Erie on March 9, 2018.<\/p>\n 12 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University senior Nathan Ferriero, top, gets by Sacred Heart junior Zach De Concilys during an Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinal at Mercyhurst University in Erie on March 8, 2018.<\/p>\n 13 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University senior Jona Charbonneau scored three goals against Sacred Heart during an Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinal at Mercyhurst University in Erie on March 8, 2018.<\/p>\n 14 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Team USA goaltender Ryan Zapolski, at left, and Mercyhurst men’s hockey coach Rick Gotkin retire Zapolski’s uniform number during a news conference following a workout at the Mercyhurst Ice Center at Mercyhurst University in Erie on Feb. 1, 2018. Zapolski, an Erie native, Cathedral Prep and Mercyhurst University graduate, was working out in Erie for a few days before joining the Team USA hockey in Pyeongchang, South Korea, for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Olympic spotlight<\/a><\/p>\n 15 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Members of the Mercyhurst University men’s hockey team perform as “The Swan Lakers” during the Gliding Stars Ice Show at the Mercyhurst University Ice Center on April 5, 2014.<\/p>\n 16 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mike Folga, head athletic trainer and equipment manager for the Mercyhurst University men’s hockey team, carries the Stanley Cup onto the ice at the Mercyhurst Ice Center before their game against Bentley on Feb. 1, 2014. Folga was a trainer with the New York Rangers in 1994 when that team won the Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n 17 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University men’s hockey coach Rick Gotkin leads practice in Erie on Oct. 10, 2012.<\/p>\n 18 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University goaltender Max Strang defends against Holy Cross’ Mike McNamara during the second period of the Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinals game at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie on March 11, 2012.<\/p>\n 19 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst University’s Nardo Nagtzaam, shoots against Holy Cross defender Mike Daly during the first period of the Atlantic Hockey Association quarterfinals at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie on March 11, 2012.<\/p>\n 20 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College hockey player Derek Elliott tapes his sticks at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Nov. 18, 2011.<\/p>\n 21 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College goalie Ryan Zapolski waits in the cage during a game at the Mercyhurst Ice Center against Holy Cross on Jan. 15, 2011.<\/p>\n 22 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n The crowd watches the game between Mercyhurst University and the Queen’s Gaels at the Mercyhurst Ice Center on Oct. 3, 2010.<\/p>\n 23 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College hockey player Brandon Coccimiglio practices with his teammates at the Mercyhurst Ice Arena on Oct. 1, 2010.<\/p>\n 24 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College hockey player Jeff Terminesi practices with his teammates at the Mercyhurst Ice Arena on Oct. 1, 2010.<\/p>\n 25 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College hockey player Grant Blakey practices with his teammates at the Mercyhurst Ice Arena on Oct. 1, 2010.<\/p>\n 26 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College’s Matt Fennell couldn’t get this shot past Army goalie Jay Clark in the second period Jan. 11, 2008. Army’s Owen Meyer, left, Zach McKelvie, top left, and Chris Blair, right, defend Fennell and Nick Vandenbeld on the play.<\/p>\n 27 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College’s Brett Robinson checks Army’s Chris Colvin in the first period Jan. 11, 2008.<\/p>\n 28 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College sophomore Nick Vandenbeld skates near the Waterloo Warriors’ Kyle Schwende during their contest Oct. 7, 2007.<\/p>\n 29 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst goaltender Tyler Small makes a save against Windsor St. Clair while Jesse Ouimet and Drew Thachuk tangle near the net in October 2006.<\/p>\n 30 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst men’s hockey player Ben Cottreau in October 2006.<\/p>\n 31 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Former Mercyhurst College hockey player Jamie Hunt, works out at the college’s Ice Center.<\/p>\n 32 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College goalie Andy Franck stops a shot by Sacred Heart’s Peter Giatrelis in the first period at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in February 2003.<\/p>\n 33 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College’s P.J. Hiscock beats Bernie Chmiel of Sacred Heart to the puck at Mercyhurst Ice Center in February 2003.<\/p>\n 34 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College left winger Adam Tackaberry got this shot off in the third period despite being crunched by a Holy Cross defender in January 2003.<\/p>\n 35 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College Hockey players stand beneath the new banners commemorating their 2001 MAAC championship and NCAA West Regional berth during the pregame ceremony at Mercyhurst Ice Center on Oct. 9, 2001. The Look Back: March 25, 2001<\/a><\/p>\n 36 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College hockey players hold their 2001 MAAC championship rings during the pregame ceremony at the Mercyhurst Ice Center Oct. 9, 2001.<\/p>\n 37 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst College’s men’s hockey team is recognized in March 2001 for their sensational 2000-01 season.<\/p>\n 38 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Sister Mary Damien Mlechick, RSM, cheers on her beloved Mercyhurst College hockey team against Bowling Green in December 2000 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.<\/p>\n 39 \/ 39<\/p>\n Look back on 25 years of Mercyhurst University Division I men’s hockey<\/p>\n Mercyhurst Athletic Director Joe Kimball, left, and John Leisering talk during the Erie Metropolitan Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony at the Zem Zem Shrine Club in Millcreek Township on June 21, 2011. Leisering was inducted into the hall of fame. Leisering was sports information director for Mercyhurst College for 25 years and worked primarily with the school’s men’s and women’s hockey program, becoming the familiar voice of the program on radio broadcasts. Leisering named Sportsman of Year for many contributions to Erie sports<\/a><\/p>\n The nation’s values are on the line, speak out<\/p>\n President Trump is becoming increasingly irrational and cruel, as I see it. His unending rants and bizarre actions provoke in me anger, disgust \u2014 even nausea.<\/p>\n Nothing illustrates this more clearly than his recent attacks on Christianity.<\/p>\n Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. When criticized, he absurdly claimed it depicted a doctor, adding, \u201cI make people better.\u201d<\/p>\n He then turned on Pope Leo for doing what religious leaders are called to do \u2014 speak out against immoral actions. In this case, the pope criticized administration rhetoric and conduct in the war with Iran. Trump, incapable of tolerating criticism, responded with repeated, profane attacks.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n In a grotesque display of sycophancy, many Republicans echoed his vilification of the pope. Vice President Vance, a Catholic convert, went so far as to warn the pope to \u201cbe careful when he speaks about matters of theology\u201d \u2014 an extraordinary rebuke of a religious leader for doing exactly what his role requires.<\/p>\n Equally troubling is the muted response from many religious leaders who helped enable Trump\u2019s rise. Does their moral concern extend only to certain issues \u2014 and certain people?<\/p>\n But the enablers are not the majority. We are \u2014 and we are pushing back through protest, civic engagement, and our votes. It is making a difference.<\/p>\n We cannot stop. To remain silent in the face of this behavior is to surrender not only our voice, but our values \u2014 and, ultimately, the soul of our country.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Rebecca Sheerin, Pittsburgh<\/p>\n Send letters to the editor to letters@timesnews.com<\/p>\n If you are not happy with country’s direction, vote<\/p>\n Evil succeeds when good men do nothing. (Boy! Has it ever!) Please remember this come November and proceed to go vote. Please.<\/p>\n Leo Swigonski, Erie<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/6183a8ab7a9212ec9b3d416b99a4723a.jpeg\"\/)
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