Depending how you look at it, the glass is either half-full or half-empty.

In this case, Sacramento State?s ice hockey club?s glass is entirely empty, finishing their 2000 campaign winless. Despite wallowing in defeat, the club?s optimism in the rink and on the ice remains surprisingly hot.

The ice hockey club is entering its fifth year as a club sport and the fifth is shaping out to be just as tough as its predecessors. This year, the team plans to improve their record and prove they have what it takes to be among the best in their circuit.

“All the teams are beatable,” said Ken Baker, ice hockey secretary and goalkeeper.This will be Baker?s second year on the team and he believes this season will be a vast improvement from last year.

“This year we?re in a much better position to rebound,” Baker said.

There are nine other teams in their circuit including University of Calif., Davis, San Jose State University, University of Calif., San Diego and California State University, Fresno.

“We plan to surprise every team we play because they?re going to be looking to walk all over us.”

Despite the talent on last years team, the Hornets struggled mightily against their competition. While Baker believes the Hornets had the necessary skills and talent to be successful, their chances were cut short through recruitment.

Baker added that the lack of players made game substitutions almost impossible last season. If some players became injured, other players would be forced to play the entire game without a break.

However, the Hornets have yet to see a considerable climb in their numbers. Without increasing their numbers, the ice hockey team may find themselves in the same position as last year.

To their credit, Sac State stepped up to the challenge of yester year and began to perform at a higher level as the season went on. Baker believes the more participants they lost, the better the team played.

However, their improvements their improvements throughout the season weren?t enough to muster a victory.

In 2001, Sac State is dedicated to changing its standing and its numbers.

Via the Hornet ice hockey website, www.csus.edu/org/icehockey, the Hornets have created an easier and convenient means of attracting interested hockey enthusiasts, no matter their experience or ability.

“It?s a learning environment and everyone is welcome to join,” Baker said.

The Hornets will hold an exhibition game against Fresno on Oct. 6 at 8:30pm at Roseville?s Skate Town.

Ice hockey?s official season begins Oct. 13 against San Jose State University in San Jose.