An Unforgettable Experience

From July 16th until July 19th of 2008, I participated in the annual NARCh College Division Championship tournament, held in San Jose, California. Competing in the event was five of the seven regions “all-star” teams representing the West, Midwest, Great Plains, East and Southeast divisions of the NCRHA. The Silver Creek Sportsplex was a perfect spot to host an event as grand as the NARCh finals; home to three rinks with top-to-bottom glass, and a “concession stand” which was nothing short of a small restaurant. 

At first I thought it would take a little while to get used to the idea of sharing the bench with my adversaries from the regular season in the ECRHA. That feeling was erased even before the first game as jokes about each others’ teams (and coaches – sorry Murphy!) and funny stories from the regular season filled the locker room. It was a great experience to go beyond the usual on-ice verbal exchanges, and actually get to know the other players. After going 2-0 in the first two games, and facing two more difficult games the next day, I realized all of us on the Eastern team all had one more thing in common – our desire to win. 

In our last two scheduled games, we tied the West and lost a close battle to Great Plains. After the round-robin games were complete, we finished with the same win-loss record as the Western team, but based on goals against, it was the Eastern team who earned the #2 seed (and the chance to avenge our only loss) in the upcoming Gold Medal game against Great Plains. In an exciting game that went back and forth into the final minutes, we held onto a two-goal lead to seal our victory for the NARCh College Division Championship. 

I don’t know how I didn’t realize it earlier (maybe I was subconsciously in denial) but once my name was called to receive my gold medal, I suddenly remembered this would likely be the last time I’d have my name announced playing competitive hockey. I held on to the bitter-sweet feeling as long as I could, taking it all in one more time; the clapping sticks from teammates and opposing players alike, the cheering spectators, and the medal around my neck. Even more amazing was being able to lift the cup with my teammates, for the second time in one unbelievable year. 

I have watched the level of competition rise, the number of divisions and number of teams within each division at least double, and the development of the NCRHA’s reputation as the college roller league. During five years as a member of the University at Buffalo Wings club roller hockey team, I’ve played in some of the best hockey games of my life, and have met some of my best friends. Playing in the ECRHA and NCRHA was easily one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had while at school. The NARCh College Division Championship tournament was truly a perfect ending to my college hockey career. The awesome jersey I was given at the event is now hanging proudly on my wall at home in a frame along with my gold medal and a picture of the entire ECRHA team with the NARCh College Division cup. 

Jay graduated from the University of Buffalo this year with his BS in Exercise Science and is continuing his education at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.  As Senior Captain of the University of Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey team, Jay lead his team to a Regional Championship in the ECRHA in his final year with the NCRHA.  Best wishes to Jay as he pursues his medical career.