OSWEGO, N.Y. – The Oswego State men's ice hockey team – receiving votes in both national polls entering the regular season – will host Elmira College at 7 p.m. on Friday to open a home-and-home weekend series with the Soaring Eagles. On Saturday, the Lakers will hit the road for a 7 p.m. battle at Elmira.
 
Oswego and Elmira have a nearly even all-time series, with the Soaring Eagles holding a slight edge 43-42-6 in 91 meetings. The Lakers, however, have owned the series lately, possessing an 8-1-1 mark against Elmira since the turn of the decade.
 
In season-openers, Oswego is 4-1-1 since the 2010-11 campaign, including a perfect 2-0-0 mark versus the Soaring Eagles in those tilts.
 
Prior to Friday's faceoff, Oswego will honor its Hometown Heroes with a ceremonial puck drop. This contest's honorees are John and Mary Jackson, lifelong residents of Oswego. John – a SUNY Oswego graduate – joined the University Police at the college in 1983 and has protected and served his alma mater ever since. In November, after 33 years as a police officer on campus, John will retire. Mary has also been working for SUNY Oswego, with her tenure spanning 16 years. She has worked in both the parking and admission offices in that time. Mary will beat John to retirement, however, officially retiring this Saturday. Oswego State Intercollegiate Athletics thanks John and Mary for their combined 49 years of service to the college and wish them luck in retirement.
 
Fans, if you know campus or community members that are hometown heroes and deserve recognition at men's ice hockey games, simply fill out the nomination form at oswegolakers.com/hometownhero.
 
Tickets are currently on sale for Friday's contest and all Laker regular-season home games. SUNY Oswego students can receive free tickets with a valid college ID. Tickets for the public can be purchased for $8. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the SUNY Oswego Box Offices, over the phone by calling 315-312-3073 and online at tickets.oswego.edu.