By Josh Wegman
Twelve student-made teams got the chance to compete in an intramural ice hockey tournament organized by the campus recreation staff at the Nepean Sportsplex on Nov. 22.
“It was a really cool event to bring everyone together,” said Graham Loyst, a sport business management student who played on the Fussy Puckers squad. “What better way to come out of your shell and get to know people than a good old hockey tournament.”
After coasting through the round-robin games, the Fussy Puckers lost in the semi-finals via shootout against the Greasy Elbows, who were then taken down in the championship game by the Chiefs 5-2.
“It’s fun playing hockey and competing,” said Loyst. “But it’s a great time just hanging out with the guys and girls. For me, that’s what it’s all about.”
As for most intramural sports, the talent level can vary, but this didn’t stop the tournament from being action-packed, competitive and intense.
In a round-robin matchup between Team Iceland and Multiple Scoregasms, a Multiple Scoregasms player was ejected during a tussle in front of the net which led to Team Iceland’s game-winning goal.
Even more heated action occurred in a round-robin game between Easton Fection and Hat-Tricks & Fat Tricks when a line-brawl ensued leading to numerous ejections of players and coaches. The rare, but always entertaining goalie fight almost broke out but was soon broken up.
“Obviously you don’t want to see the little fights and scrums but it’s just the nature of the game,” said Rhonda Giguere, the campus recreation coordinator. “Most players are able to forgive and forget and leave that sort of stuff on the ice.”
The heated atmosphere of the tournament seemed to light a spark under some of the players looking to improve upon their teams’ results come the next tournament, which will be taking place sometime in March.
“I hope we can take the next tournament,” said Paul Ziegel, a plumbing student who played on Team Iceland. “Regardless, it was a still a great experience.”