At this year’s Homecoming, more than 250 former varsity hockey Huskies from across Canada, the US, and even overseas, returned to campus in what was the largest hockey reunion in the university’s history. Throughout the weekend, hockey alumni across seven decades reconnected with former teammates at a number of events including meet & greets with the current teams, tours of the new on-campus arena, the Dauphinee Centre, and a night of fun at the Gorsebrook.
The reunion was also a chance to celebrate the achievements and contributions of former Huskies, as both the 2001-2002 men’s Hockey team and former and first women’s Hockey Coach, Lisa Haley, were inducted into the Saint Mary’s University Sport Hall of Fame.
The weekend was filled with a number of special reunions, including members of the 1969 men’s Hockey team who reconnected during Friday afternoon’s Golden Grad Luncheon, celebrating those having graduated 50 years ago and more.
Huskies fans and alumni, including recently installed Chancellor Michael Durland BComm’87 DComm’10, and his wife, Catherine BComm’87, packed the Dauphinee Centre Saturday to watch both the men’s and women’s teams. Maroon & white filled the arena and fans cheered as both teams came out victorious against Dalhousie and UdeM, respectively.
Honourary reunion co-chairs, Bob Warner BA’75 and Courtney Schriver-Richard BA’11, led ceremonial puck drops alongside three Huskies representing teams from the 1950s – Art Flynn DipEng’53, Bill Bailly BComm’56, and Fred Gallagher DipEng’57; a true highlight of the reunion. The puck drops were announced by CBC broadcasters Signa Butler BA’96 and Steve Armitage BA’68 LLD’09, who was one of the first announcers at the old Alumni Arena, fondly known as “the Barn” to many.
Thank you to all hockey alumni who joined us for this special weekend and to the organizing committee, led by Chris Larsen and Marcel Pineau. Keep an eye out for more hockey events in the new Dauphinee Centre in the future.
