The inaugural season of Marksmen hockey kicked off Oct. 27, and while they aren’t off to the start head coach Nick Mazzolini was hoping for, there is still plenty of time left in the season to get things back on track. The team currently sits eighth out of a 10-team league, with a record of 2-5-1. Captain Jake Hauswirth leads the league with 17 points scored and 11 assists.

 After the Marksmen wrap up a road game stretch, they have some great home game opportunities coming up at the Crown Coliseum. November was the team’s Teddy Bear Toss – a game for a good cause that has become a tradition for hockey leagues around the nation. The team asked fans to bring a teddy bear to toss onto the ice. Donated bears benefit the Cape Fear Valley Children’s Hospital.

 Jeff Longo, president of the Marksmen, is thrilled to give back to the community his new team calls home, saying, “Fayetteville has been so welcoming, and it’s wonderful to call this city my second home. We are looking forward to putting smiles on the faces of children in this community along with providing a night of entertainment for our fans who come out to support us.”

 Other great opportunities to catch the Marksmen in action include the Dec. 22 Star Wars Game, which features Star Wars-themed jerseys and a lightsaber giveaway, and a variety of other themed games in the new year, including Pink in the Rink, a Pooch Party, a Mascot Party and more.

 Even if you’re not a hockey fan, the Marksmen organization strives to create an atmosphere where anyone can have fun. If you’re looking for something to do, check out a game. By the third period, you’re likely to find yourself cheering along.