What Hockey Means to StFX
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Photo: Adelaide Strickland
Most Universities have an official sport; a sport that gets the most attention and the most funding from the school, that brings in the most fans, and has the most followers.
When it comes to StFX, “the” sport could be almost any of them. Some would say the X-Women Rugby team; some might say the men's football team. In fact, you could name pretty much any StFX sports team. StFX does extremely well in athletics for the size of the student body, excelling in several different sports, but there is one sport that sticks out when it comes to popularity and involvement. That sport is hockey.
During the first weeks of school emails and sign-up sheets get sent to the students for intramurals. Occasionally, sports get cancelled due to lack of participation, but at StFX, hockey is quite the opposite. Students are quick to respond, and the limited spots are filled quickly, whether students are making teams for their residence buildings, or a getting together with friends from class. Hockey intramurals are by far the most exciting and loved sport in the school. Intramurals consist of three different hockey leagues: WXHL is the Women's Xavier Hockey League, which has 7 active teams; the REC league comprises of men and women at a non-competitive level; and the XHL, which is the men's and women’s competitive league. In total, the 21 teams that participate in the three hockey leagues comprise approximately 315 players, not including the student referees, the coaches and the fans.
StFX is equipped with two full-size ice pads, with the main rink seating approximately 1500 people. Both rinks are located within the Keating Millennium Centre (KMC). In addition to hockey, the KMC provides numerous opportunities for students and surrounding community members to get on the ice. The KMC has Public Skates Monday through Friday in the afternoons. It also hosts the Learn to Skate program, which caters to all ages. They run different sessions at different times throughout the week at a very affordable cost. The Keating Centre also puts on shinny (pick up hockey) for students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays free of charge - once again providing an opportunity and encouraging all skill levels to get out and have some fun.
As Christmas break comes to an end, all the students return ready for the new semester. Some are excited about the start of classes, but many come back excited for a different reason: House Cup! House Cup is a tournament that involves all on-campus and off campus students and has been a tradition for more than 40 years. It is one of the most anticipated events on campus. Luckily enough, there are two tournaments, one for men and one for women - both equally as big and entertaining!
Months before the big tournament, residences are getting ready. From try-outs to making posters to designing custom jerseys. The whole residence participates. This tournament even gets the attention of some of the surrounding community members coming to watch the thrilling games. At every chance, it seems like StFX is trying in every way to encourage and provide hockey opportunities to the student body.
In short, hockey at StFX is more than a sport. It unites many students and creates friendships that will last a lifetime. It seems that StFX provides all these opportunities, but ultimately, it’s the students’ passion for the game that keeps it alive. Hockey continues to be a strong tradition at StFX and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it slowing down. Even for those who favour other sports, the hype and fun associated with hockey at StFX is still and always be contagious.
