The sport that has put the University of Denver on the national scene for the past two years is hockey.

And it is hockey that gains attention on campus as well.

But the varsity ice hockey team is not the only hockey team on campus.

DU’s inline hockey team, led by Captain Darwyn Metzger, will be competing at the intercollegiate D-1 level for the third year this season.

Metzger founded the team in 2001 and has been the captain for every game since then.

When asked about the team’s credibility on campus, Metzger contends it deserves more recognition.

“The varsity ice team overshadows us because they are the best hockey team at this institution and have just won two national championships,” said Metzger.

He also claimed that the inline team has accomplished something that the club ice team has not.

Metzger referred to winning, “back to back conference championships and being invited to play for the national championship the last two years.”

The team generally has a roster of 12 players and two goalies, but Metzger noted that usually between eight and 10 players and one goalie suit up for each game.

The games are three periods of 12 minutes each.

The team is part of the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (RMCRHA).

Other teams in their conference include the University of Colorado, Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado.

DU has played teams from the University of Michigan, the University of Missouri, the University of Towson, and Cal State while competing in national tournaments.

Inline hockey is not as well known as ice hockey but Metzger hopes that will change.

“If the sport keeps growing like it has been this will become a varsity sport at a lot of schools,” said Metzger.

Their next game this season is this Friday as they will face the University of Colorado.

Overall, Metzger wants students to remember that the varsity athletes are not the only athletes on campus.

The club teams represent our school when they compete against other schools and they deserve respect and support from those that they represent.

The team is currently seeking players to fill roster spots.

Metzger emphasized the need to fill a goaltender position.

To keep up with the team’s record and schedule this season, please visit www.rmcrha.com.