Travel journal: UND visits Cornell in Ithaca, N.Y.

Note: This travel journal by Herald beat writer Brad Schlossman is meant to give a behind-the-scenes look at UND’s trip to Ithaca, N.Y., for its series against Cornell. For full coverage of the series, visit GrandForksHerald.com/undhockey.

ITHACA, N.Y. — UND took a rare trip Thursday.

Considering the longevity and prominence of the hockey programs at UND and Cornell, it’s hard to believe that UND has only visited Ithaca, N.Y., once. That came in January 2010.

I covered that series, but things were a lot different back then. Uber and Lyft weren’t a thing. Google Maps weren’t as thorough as they are now. My hotel was on the outskirts of town and I wasn’t interested in paying a cab to go anywhere except for the rink and airport. So, I’ve been to Ithaca, but I don’t feel like I ever experienced Ithaca. That will change.

UND got a nice surprise to start the trip.

Soon after boarding a chartered Allegiant flight to Ithaca, the pilot came on the intercom and shared that he’s a 2023 UND graduate. Considering the prestige and thoroughness of the UND Aerospace program, everyone feels a little better when a UND grad is flying the plane.

He also shared that he’s a big UND hockey fan and attended every home game when he was on campus. Because the crew’s next assignment is to take the Fighting Hawks home from Ithaca on Saturday night, they’re all staying the weekend. The pilot will get to attend the games.

Upon landing, UND captain Louis Jamernik V introduced himself to the pilot. Jamernik is a commercial aviation major.

The wheels were off the ground in Grand Forks at 9:15 a.m. and touched down in Ithaca two hours, five minutes later.

There was one very unique part to this trip — UND players were allowed to wear tracksuits on the plane. Usually, it’s dress shirt and pants with no tie. In my 20 years covering the team, this is the first time I can remember the players being allowed to wear tracksuits.

One of the main reasons for it: UND was unsure whether it could check into hotel rooms before going to practice.

You know how things can go, though. If UND has a strong weekend, maybe this won’t be the last time.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

Upon arrival, it was time to find lunch.

The team hotel is right next to Ithaca Commons — a multiple-block pedestrian-only street lined with shops and restaurants. Because it was sunny and 75 degrees out — sorry readers who are getting snow in the Twin Cities — it was a perfect afternoon to walk around.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

A couple of the media folks settled on Viva Taqueria, which came recommended.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

The nachos were excellent.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

UND did not practice at Lynah Rink due to a scheduling conflict.

It’s a busy weekend at the arena. The Cornell women are hosting Union at 3 p.m. Friday and RPI at 3 p.m. Saturday.

So, the Fighting Hawks headed north of town to The Rink at the Community Recreation Center.

When you walk in, there’s a banner for former Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup-winning captain Dustin Brown. He’s from Ithaca.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

Practice lasted about an hour —

and there were a few notable absences.

It ended with the weekly shootout. This week’s winner: Jake Schmaltz. He went two-for-two. Others who scored: Ben Strinden, Dalton Andrew, Jackson Kunz, Louis Jamernik V and associate coach Dane Jackson, who captained a Calder Cup-winning team about 90 minutes northwest of here in Rochester, N.Y.

Speaking of Rochester, there was a special visitor at practice today who made the trip from Rochester — former UND captain Colton Poolman. He plays for the Rochester Americans, the top minor-league affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres.

After practice, we drove back into town alongside Cayuga Lake, one of the Finger Lakes in this area.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

Then, it was time to stop at Lynah Rink, where this weekend’s series will be played.

Lynah is located right on Cornell’s campus, across the street from the football and lacrosse venues.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

It was mostly how I remember it — all-bleacher seating wrapping around three sides of the rink. It’s like a larger East Grand Forks Civic Center. It holds a little more than 4,000.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

On the end where there are no seats, there is now a video board. That was not there in 2010.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

The press box is still snug. As you can see, if one person wants to get out, pretty much the whole row has to file out. It’s a little different than The Ralph, you could say.

Brad E. Schlossman / Grand Forks Herald

The team hauled their gear to Lynah Rink after practice, then went out for team dinner at Boatyard Grill. The team also ate there in 2010.

That’s all for tonight.

Check back tomorrow for another update and visit GrandForksHerald.com/undhockey for all UND hockey coverage.