Get to Know This Weekend's Opponent: The Reno Ice Raiders

This weekend, the Fond du Lac Bears will be heading way out west to Reno, Nevada, to play a pair of games against the Reno Ice Raiders. 

FondDuLacBears.com caught up with Weston Nash, part-owner, and player for the Ice Raiders, to get to know the team a little bit more ahead of this weekend's matchups. 

Q: What year were the Ice Raiders founded?
The team was founded in 2015 in Vacaville, CA, and was originally called the Oakland Ice Raiders. After the first season the team name was changed to the NorCal Ice Raiders and just last year was changed to the Reno Ice Raiders.

Q: How has senior hockey been received by the Nevada area communities?
We have received overwhelming support since moving the team to Reno. We couldn't be more thankful to all of our fans & sponsors.

Q: How did you hear about the Fond du Lac Bears and what made your organization decide to reach out to schedule some games?
We have been following the Great Lakes Hockey League for a few years now. Moving the team to a new city, we knew that we needed to bring in some good teams this season. We thought it was a bit of a long shot to get any of the GLHL teams to come to Reno, but we are glad we reached out and are excited to host the Bears this season.

Q: Earlier this year you faced another team from the Great Lakes Hockey League, the Calumet Wolverines. How did that experience go for your team and fans?
It was great hosting Calumet. I think our teams were pretty evenly matched and we look forward to hosting them again in the future. We were lucky enough to play them in front of a sold-out crowd in Reno and we think our fans appreciate seeing us battle teams from all over the US.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about this weekend's series with the Bears? 
Fond du Lac currently stands at the top of the standings in the GLHL with a 7-1-1 record so we look forward to competing against the number one team. 

The Bears and Ice Raiders play Friday and Saturday night at the Jennifer M. O’Neal Community Ice Arena in Reno, Nevada. Friday's game starts at 9 PM central, and Saturday's game at 10 PM central time. Both games can be watched live on the Ice Raiders YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMV6cNLgQBvPwVJz_dZhmdg