Union Hockey Takes National Stage in NHL Preseason

Ah yes, hockey is back! Preseason action last night saw the Philadelphia Flyers top the New York Rangers by a score of 5-3.

But more important than the final score was the Capital Region connection to the game.

For the Rangers, Union hockey graduate Mat Bodie scored his first two goals of the preseason. For the Flyers, fellow Union product Shane Gostisbehere also had his first two goals.

Bodie played for the Dutchmen when they won the national championship in 2013-2014 and was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He scored 28 goals for the Dutchmen in four years.

Gostisbehere spent three years playing for Union, also helping them win the national championship in '13-'14. He scored 22 goals during his time in Schenectady.

Sure, it's just the preseason, but it's always nice to see players who have spent time in the Capital Region playing well.

It also bodes well for both players moving forward if they can put the puck in the net.