Whoever looked at hockey and said “let’s put this thing on ice” knew exactly what was up. In a new Bwog sports section, ClubSportHop, Staff Writer Eira Prakash writes on the beauty that is club ice hockey.

On Friday, October 4th, the Columbia University club hockey team played Sacred Heart University in a nail biting match. This writer was convinced to go down to Queens on a Friday with the promise of ice skating beforehand, which was admittedly, quite fun. Afterwards, we settled in the (freezing) stands to watch what turned out to be a quite intriguing game. 

The players wasted no time getting to work, with the puck flying back and forth across the ice. Six minutes into the first period, of which there are three, Columbia’s #26 Brandon Avezov (CC ‘27) scored the first goal, prompting cheers from the crowd that would rival those at a CU football game (which is not exactly a high bar), including one person chanting “C U C H, COOCH COOCH COOCH!” 

The game continued with many nearly made goals from Sacred Heart, but Columbia defense was simply too strong. According to an ex-hockey player, “Colubmia’s goals were on breakaway,” meaning they were hit from a long distance, “but Sacred Heart is doing a better job of possessing the puck, with good protection.” Despite having the puck more often, Sacred Heart only scored one goal in the first period, ending with a score of 2-1. 

After a very cold struggle with a very finicky vending machine, we settled in for period two. Unfortunately, SHU started to catch up, making some players mad enough that the refs had to break up multiple wrestling matches and fights. At one point, a player’s stick went flying out of their hands, and they were controlling the puck with just their feet. Each play was intense, and each fight very heated, keeping the audience and other players constantly involved. By the end of the second period, Columbia was once again up with a score of 4-2, but with one period left, it was anyone’s game. 

The start of the third period had a different kind of intensity – SHU knew it was their only chance to make a comeback. Multiple fouls were committed, and players were sent to “the box” – essentially “time out” for hockey players. With two minutes left, the score was 6-5 favoring Columbia, with SHU constantly shooting. It was still anyone’s game, and an intense feeling took over the crowd, with people standing and yelling things like “Number 7, is that a hockey stick or a golf club?!” 

In the last minute, Sacred Heart shot … and missed. Then again, and again. With one second left, the clock stopped due to a bad play, with Sacred Heart in possession. Everyone watched with bated breath – if they made this goal, the game would go into overtime. SHU hit the puck with everything they had… and it did not go in. 

Columbia won the game 6-5, with cheers and support all around. While I was not dressed for the weather, the intensity of the game warmed me right up. The hockey team will once again take to the ice against Rutgers this Friday, October 11th, at 10 pm. Head down early to get in some ice skating, or enjoy the live stream, but definitely do your part to support Columbia’s iconic stars: CUCH!

Ice Hockey Illustration via Simone Snow