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Soccer great Abby Wambach to be featured guest for men's hockey game on October 15

Tigers to play St. Lawrence at Blue Cross Arena; capacity crowd expected.

By: Joe Venniro - Director of Sports Information
Wambach_2011
Abby Wambach will drop the ceremonial first puck and sign autographs during the RIT men's hockey game against St. Lawrence at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday, October 15.

Men's Hockey | 10/4/2011 2:32:00 PM

ROCHESTER, NY – Rochester native and United States women's soccer great Abby Wambach will sign autographs between the first and second periods and drop the ceremonial first puck before the RIT men's hockey game against St. Lawrence during Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend on Saturday, October 15 at Blue Cross Arena.  The game will begin at 7:05 p.m.

Wambach, the third all-time leading scorer in United States soccer history with 126 goals, is a four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Federation's Athlete of the Year Award (2003, 2004, 2007, 2010).  She is an Olympic Gold Medalist, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2004 Gold Medal game against Brazil.  Wambach has played in three World Cups, most recently in 2011, where she led the U.S. to a runner-up finish and won ESPN's 2011 ESPY Award for Best Play of the Year.

"I am excited to have the chance to go back to my hometown and be a part of the Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend,” said Wambach.  “It's always great to be in Rochester and I'm eager to spend some time with the fans and of course, see the Tigers play some hockey."

She graduated from Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1998, and was named to Parade magazine's high school All-America team, and the national Player of the Year by Umbro and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Wambach played four seasons at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to the 1998 NCAA National Championship. Wambach was a Freshman All-American and three-time All-American.  She holds Florida records for most goals (96), assists (50), and points (242).

Currently, Wambach is a player/coach for the Boca Raton MagicJack with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

Lou Spiotti, Executive Director of Athletics at RIT, is looking forward to having Wambach in town for Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Abby can join us in our celebration of Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend,” said Spiotti.  “She has a reputation and legacy in the Rochester community that is beyond compare.  I know our fans and the RIT community will welcome her with open arms.”

Last season, the Tigers drew a sellout crowd of 10,556 fans during Brick City Weekend against UMass Lowell.  Fans are encouraged to get their tickets at the Gordon Field House Box Office. Tickets for the contest are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for faculty and staff, and $6.00 for alumni and students. RIT students and alumni can purchase tickets on the RIT campus at the Gordon Field House Box Office before the day of the game for $6.00. Two tickets will be sold per student ID.