Last night at 11 o’clock I made the treacherous climb up to the McConnell Arena to watch the championship game of the men’s intramural hockey A league. Hockey is one of my favorite sports to watch, but bundling up in my parka and scarf on the second day of Spring to go see this game was not appealing. That said, I knew quite a few people on the two competing teams so skipping the game was not an option.
The competing teams were “The Shockers” and “The Big U” (it seems that each year the names of intramural teams continue to take on the most bizarre names). Typically when I show up to watch an intramural game of any sport the mood and atmosphere is relaxed and lighthearted. When I walked into the arena, however, members from both teams were looking very serious and intent on getting the game started. I took my seat in the crowd amongst a few dozen other people, some noticeably students and some older people who I assume must have been parents of some of the players.
The game started off quickly with the Shockers scoring within two minutes of the puck dropping. The game was extremely fast paced and the skill level of the players was impressive. The first half (intramural hockey games are divided into two twenty-two minute halves as opposed to three periods) ended with the Shockers scoring their second goal, leading the Big U by two. During the two minute halftime over a dozen other fans showed up- better late than never. These fans were definitely livelier than the ones already in the stands. The fans were equipped with signs, bags of chips and some even with beer.
As the two teams returned to the ice, it was rather obvious that the new fans were here to cheer on the Shockers. The new cheering proved to be a bit of a distraction for the Shockers as the Big U slipped a goal past the Shockers’ goalie three minutes in. This was a bit of a wake-up call for the Shockers and things on the ice began to heat up. Within the next five minutes, both teams had received two penalties. Although no fights broke out, players from both teams were playing extremely aggressively, provoking cheers from the guys in the stands and alarming looks from the girls. The game was playing out to be much less of a jovial match between two teams and more of an intense display of testosterone and aggression. With two minutes left, the Shockers scored two goals, within one minute of each other, crushing any hopes of becoming champions for the Big U. When the buzzer went the Shockers swarmed their goalie cheering and hugging while the Big U hung their heads and removed their helmets looking ever so defeated. I really didn't expect an intramural hockey game to evoke such emotions in the players of both teams. Despite the sadness felt amongst the Big U, the fans seemed to enjoy themselves and the Shockers went home with not only the title of champions but also a nice mug to commemorate their efforts and teamwork. I am confident they put their mug to good use after the game! Congratulations, Shockers!
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