As time ticked off the clock and the puck was cleared from the zone, all of the fans wearing Columbia blue packed into Kettler Capitals Iceplex celebrated another win over Washington Lee. However, this game was different. Unlike basketball and football, there was no storming the court/field. But on the cheering faces of everyone in the stands, it was not hard to tell that it was yet another win over a bitter rival.
The thrill of beating W-L in hockey was no different than any other sport. However in recent years, hockey has not been one of the most popular school sporting events to go to, but this winter, with hockey starting once more, members of the team look to change that. Members of the team have high aspirations for the coming season as the team looks to have another successful year, as well as give their fans something to celebrate in the cold winter months.
It is far less convenient to watch hockey games at Kettler, than to attend football and basketball games on campus. This is part of the reason that attendance at hockey games is generally lower than other sports.
“Hockey doesn’t get enough fans for their games. It’s harder to get to the games and they aren’t specifically Friday nights like football, so not everyone knows the schedule,” said freshman fan Hailey Tanenbaum.
While games are farther away, distance should not discourage fans from cheering on their team. The exciting and aggressive nature of hockey as well as the skill of the team make it a great experience to watch games no matter what the location is.
“It’s fun to come to the games though because you get really rowdy, bang on the glass and see the big hits. It’s fun to be around and it’s really energetic,” said sophomore Liam Wells, a varsity player in only his second season.
Another reason to come that is repeated by all members of the team leading up to a game, is that it is always Ladies’ Night. This proclamation is made since all ladies get in free for every game, as well as their male companions, making it a fun and free game to watch.
All sports teams have their own unique traditions and hockey is no different. Every time the team scores at a home game, fans sitting next to the boards are in for a treat.
“We painted the “Easy Button” from Staples on a big poster board,” said junior varsity star Nick Puglisi. “Whenever anyone scores, the fans hold it up and the [player who scores] go by and punch the boards near it… it’s actually extremely hype.”
The atmosphere at all of the games and the fast-paced play makes them very exciting to watch, especially when the team is playing well. The team has had an excellent start to the season, going 3-2-1; however, looking towards the rest of the season, with many veterans as well as some great young talent, they have many larger goals to achieve.
“We want to win the championship for our conference. It’s a big goal, but we’ve been to the playoffs before and come close, I know we can do it. We have a solid team this year–Teddy [Dahlquist] is leading us, Joe [Patterson], Captain Jacob [Dormuth] and Nick [Puglisi],” said Wells.
With all these aspirations for the season, fans cannot wait to root on their team and see them turn their dreams into realities. Between the “Easy Button”, all the popular dangles and Ladies’ Night, who wouldn’t want to see this team go for it all?
