Hockey Day 26’: A Game to Remember

Writer: Amina Mian
Editor: Maryam Khan

3… 2… 1! The united countdown from all of the green and gold that filled Mattamy Arena during Hockey Day as all the gators waited for the game to officially be over, and then the endless cheers that erupted from the crowd once the buzzer went off, is a moment from my time at Havergal that I will never forget. For the past four years, our school has had to watch BSS take home the win despite the efforts of our hardworking team. Each year, our spirits would reinflate, just to be heavily crushed after witnessing yet another loss. But this year, it’s safe to say that most of us had a good feeling about this game. Not just because a certain Team Canada player wasn’t on the opposing team, but because our gators were stronger than ever and devoted to winning. That’s why when the buzzer went off, the green and gold side of the arena went so crazy you would’ve thought that we had just one some billion dollar lottery. This win meant so much more than bringing Hewie back to where it belonged: home. It was so important in so many ways, but most of all, it brought our school together.

Firstly, the high chances of ending BSS’s four year winning streak had everybody feeling good about this year, considering another win for BSS would mean that no one on the team would have ever won a Hockey Day. Even though the win meant a lot for everyone both in the stands and on the team, it was even more memorable for the grads who would be leaving next year. 

As per tradition, there was SO much hype leading up to this day. From the pep rally in the beginning of the week, to the D1 hockey team introduction, and how could I forget to mention the upgraded LED gator flags. When it came to the actual day, walking off the bus and into the arena while being swarmed by a sea of green and gold at the entrance, with not a single bobcat in sight, filled me up with so much excitement. The fact that we had so much more spirit than BSS was enough for me— winning in energy and support is the biggest flex. 

But of course, our school didn’t just stop there. Each year I usually sit in the middle of the stands, but this time, I had a great view during the last period—up front at the glass. The tension was so high, as we scored one goal when there were still about 8 minutes left on the clock. All I could think about, being that close to the rink, was how stressful the players must feel on the ice. I kept praying they would waste time by passing the puck in the middle. Please do it for 8 minutes if you have to! Eventually it came down to the last 5 seconds. When the clock went back on, all I remember was screaming on the top of my lungs. 5… 4… 3… 2… 1!!! THE CROWD GOES WILD!! While the players on the ice threw off their equipment (finally it was our team that got to do this), everyone else in the stands were just screaming, shouting, jumping, and hugging each other. The joy I felt in that moment was unexplainable. My jaw had dropped to the floor, like everybody else, as I tried to make sense of this surreal moment. “Is this real? Did you see that? There’s no way. WE WONNN!!” Beside me, I could see all the players congratulating each other. The team captain raising Hewie up to the stands (which again, felt so good for it to finally be our turn), as the crowd broke into shouts, was the moment that made everything finally feel real for me. And also witnessing all of BSS empty the stands in literally 30 seconds. That was it. The Havergal Gators had rightfully taken home the Hewitt cup and won Hockey Day 26’. 

This day reminded me just how valuable having a supportive and spirited school community around you is. Without it, it can be so easy to give up. Every year, our team fought on the ice, mainly because our school spirit never died. It acted as a support system that ultimately led us to, after all these years, a win. Because of this, I think it’s just right to declare Tuesday, February 10 as an official holiday at Havergal. Hockey Day is arguably one of the most important days of school, but this year is definitely one for the books that I know I’ll never forget.