The WPU Ice Hockey team took on something bigger than hockey at home games on October 25-26, 2019.  The team hosted “Pink the Rink” and “Hockey Fights Cancer” nights as part of matchups versus Temple and Navy.  On Friday night, the team donned their pink jerseys and showed support for Tracy Hunt and her battle in a pregame ceremony.  Hunt is the mother of sophomore defenseman Jimmy Hunt.  On Saturday night, the team donned purple camo jerseys as part of “Hockey Fights Cancer” night.  Parents of WPU players were out in full force all weekend raising funds for charity.  All and all, both nights were a success in honoring a devoted hockey mom, raising funds and awareness!

TEMPLE 4 WPU 1

The Pioneers rang up 57 shots on goal, but were unable to solve Temple goaltender, Ben Auerbach on Friday night, October 25.  Tommy Bauer (Fords, NJ) who had the lone Pioneer goal on a highlight reel rush and deke added “Friday night we didn’t show up to play and overlooked our opponent. We lacked the heart we know we have.”

NAVY 3 WPU 2

The Pioneers played a more complete game against Navy, but fell 3-2 in a tough battle.  The teams battled to an even draw while at full strength 5 on 5.  However, it was the special teams that were the difference as Navy converted 3 power play goals to 2 for WPU.  Zach Thompson (Anchorage, AK) and Adam Marvin (New City, NY) tallied goals for the Pioneers.   

Junior captain Walt Keiper (Rockaway, NJ) summed up the weekend, “We started the weekend slow and not playing our game, but by Saturday night we began to come together and play our game. Now we need to look forward to next weekend and move on”.

The Pioneers are on the road to Maryland for games versus Navy on Friday, November 1 at 7:30pm and Towson on Sunday, November 3 at 3pm.  Check @wpuhockey on twitter for live stream information at game time.   

Photo Credit:  Marissa Vandenberg