The record doesn't look as good. But the neighborhood looks much better.

Slippery Rock University's men's hockey team finished 11-12 this season - one year after finishing 12th and seventh, respectively, at the American Collegiate Hockey Association national tournament.

Those national tournaments were in ACHA Division III, however. The Rock moved up two divisions to ACHA Division I this season.

"We actually started talking about it during the bus ride home from nationals last year," SRU coach Bob Black said. "The team officers and coaches got together and the fire was brewing.

"Over the last two years, we'd done well against Division II schools we played. As a group, we felt it was time to make the move," Black added.

Brett Murawski, a seldom-used forward who didn't score a point this season, was the team's lone senior. The Rock had five juniors to go with eight sophomores and 12 freshmen.

Through eight games, SRU was 2-6 and had been outscored 41-22.

"The biggest adjustment was facing quality teams every game," said junior defenseman and Butler resident Mike Menchyk. "In Division III, we were one of the strongest teams and we only ran into a couple of teams that could stay with us.

"This year, just about every opponent was better than we were and they trotted out three or four quality lines each night. We had to elevate our game," he added.

The Rock did just that. SRU returned from Christmas break and went 9-6 the rest of the way, outscoring the opposition 67-58.

SRU put together a five-game winning streak - defeating West Virginia University twice, Ithaca, Rochester and St. John Fisher - before dropping a 5-4 decision to Fredonia State to close the campaign.

"We held our own in the most competitive hockey this area has to offer," Black said. "Virtually our whole team is coming back next year and we have another solid recruiting class on the way."

Steve Meyers, a freshman defenseman from Mars, scored three goals and added 13 assists this season after scoring 36 goals as a high school forward in 2002-03.

Meyers had played defense for the Pittsburgh Vipers amateur hockey program during his high school years.

"I prefer forward, I guess, but defense is where I'm better suited for this team, and I'm happy to play there," Meyers said.

"I'm an offensive defenseman - not what you would call a bruiser - and I'm hoping to score a few more goals next year," he added.

Black said Meyers "has a great college career ahead of him. He's a fluid skater who sees the ice well.

"He's a true playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised if he's a team captain before he's done here," Black added.

SRU's top goal scorer - Deer Lakes graduate Sean McIntyre - was a freshman this year. He scored 15 goals, including seven on the power play. His high school teammate - Matt DiSanti - added nine goals and 18 points as a linemate.

Rounding out The Rock's top scoring line was junior Mark Runco with 11 goals and 24 points.

"McIntyre and DiSanti have been playing hockey together since they were 8," Black said.

The Rock's goals for next year are simple: Finish above .500 and continue to establish itself as a competitive Division I program.

Black is 55-25-2 as hockey coach at SRU, 100-34-3 as a collegiate coach overall. SRU hockey put together its highest academic performance in 10 years as well.

"Knowing you're going to be part of a great hockey game every night is more important than wins, losses or ties," Black said. "It's the life experiences you remember, not the final scores."