You’ve probably seen plenty of pictures on Facebook of kids posing on the first day of school.
College hockey has its equivalents, and Monday was one of those days.
The official first day of practice for most Division I men’s college hockey teams is still more than two weeks away, but Monday was a key day nonetheless.
Starting on Sept. 15 each year, teams are able to spend two hours per week together on the ice with coaches for skill instruction.
Once the school year starts, coaches can do on-ice work with groups of no more than four players at a time. And players can work out in captains practices.
But Monday was what some consider the first day of practice.
Some teams chronicled the day on social media. Alabama-Huntsville put together a video of the morning skate.
[youtube_sc url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBm-wd0Duww]
Connecticut went through its first workout as a Hockey East member.
#UConn First official workout today…dawn of a new era #BleedBlue @hockey_east pic.twitter.com/TfNONvy6Dj
— UConn Men’s Hockey (@UConnMHOC) September 15, 2014
We saw some legendary coaches back on the ice.
Red Berenson on the ice for the first practice of his 31st season at Michigan. #Team93 #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/z0TYmzzhCv
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) September 15, 2014
This just feels right. Early practice sessions now in full swing on Kelley Rink. #WeAreBC #DropThePuck pic.twitter.com/PiJaV8TNlL
— BC Hockey (@BCHockeyNews) September 15, 2014
And here’s a sampling from the rest of college hockey.
Big day for @collegehockey! Coaches can now go on the ice with the team. #Sep15 #cantwait
— Nick Petraglia (@NickPetraglia) September 15, 2014
“It’s about being brilliant in the basics.” Practices with coaches begin this week. #hursthockey #allin
— Mercyhurst Hockey (@HurstMensHockey) September 15, 2014
Almost that time of year. Can’t wait to get the season going #senioryear #allin http://t.co/2uZ63KRPpB
— Chris Bodo (@Bodozer22) September 15, 2014
First team praccy with the boys today. @HCHockey #cru
— scott pooley (@whirlpooley12) September 15, 2014
Wrapping up first practice at The Broadmoor World Arena’s Ice Hall! pic.twitter.com/9zHfwIoy17
— CC Hockey (@CC_Hockey1) September 16, 2014
Great 1st day of practice. Looking forward to getting back on the ice again tomorrow. #bleedpurple #sadernation
— David Berard (@DavidBerard30) September 15, 2014
Great to be back on the ice as a full team today! Can’t wait for the season to get going!
— Mike Ferrantino (@MikeFe93) September 16, 2014
The season officially starts for most schools on Saturday, Oct. 4. We say most schools because Alaska and Alaska-Anchorage are exempt from starting date bylaws.
The Nanooks have the honor of playing the first game this season against outside competition, an exhibition against Western Ontario on Oct. 3.
Division I women’s teams start playing against outside competition this Saturday, with Quinnipiac and Robert Morris playing exhibition games.