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That college club hockey rivalry is renewed today as the teams open a two-game series. The puck drops tonight and Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is $6.
"Tupelo still has that base of hockey fans, and there are plenty of fans of the rivalry between the schools, so we're looking for a great crowd," said Cody Johnson. His Ole Miss hockey team boasts a 7-2 record.
Pro hockey left town a decade ago, but Mississippi State has played a slate of games at BCS Arena - including a sweep (10-0 and 6-2) of that rivalry series with the Rebels in 2009. The teams split their games last season at a neutral site.
This season, the IceDawgs skate into town with a new coaching staff and a 1-5 record.
"Hopefully these games will give us a chance to make some progress," said MSU player Hunter Bridges.
Both teams have rosters mainly of non-Mississippi players who were eager to play, and study, in a more welcoming climate.
"It's the best of both worlds - we're getting some great talent and the players want to be in the warmer weather," said the Rebels' Johnson.
Ole Miss plays its home games in Olive Branch this season, but some of those may be played in Tupelo next season.
john.pitts@journalinc.com