On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Kingswood Oxford hockey team took on King School at South Windsor Arena, enduring a tough loss but never losing faith.
The event served to honor Ryan Gordon and Ryan’s Circle of Giving, which raises funds with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. Ryan was born with VATER Syndrome, a birth defect that severely affects the esophagus, which he sadly passed away from a few years after his graduation from KO.
Throughout his childhood, Ryan himself raised money for cystic fibrosis. Upon his passing, he asked that his college fund be allocated towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Hartford Wolfpack Community Foundation, and Kingswood Oxford. The school honors his legacy and charitability through Hockey Night.
The highlight of the evening was honoring seniors Cody Brew, Matt Cote, Matt Champagne, and Ben Margolis, at their final high school game among their family and friends. Head Coach John Hissick emphasized the impact the seniors have made on the team. “They have been an integral part of the Wyvern Hockey program and the foundation of our team during their time here at Kingswood Oxford,” he said.
Senior Matt Cote enjoyed celebrating senior night at this annual tradition, “Having Senior Night and Hockey Night on the same evening definitely brought a good energy to the game,” he said. He also added that the loss may have hit the team harder without the support of the Wyvern Den and the energy that Hockey Night brought.
Matt observed that being a part of the team at KO has taught him how to take advantage of opportunities that are presented to him. This mindset was integral for the team, as they experienced some tough losses, but learned to stick together despite the challenges.
Cody Brew has learned to embrace this mindset in his daily life. “Athletically, I have experienced ups and downs throughout my two years and have learned that in life, we can never give up and continue to show up and work hard everyday,” he said.
Senior Matt Champagne agreed, adding the importance of playing as a team. “My seven years at Kingswood Oxford have taught me how to be an all-around team player,” he said
Senior Ben Margolis reflects that what he will miss most about Kingswood Oxford are his teammates, their long bus rides, and simply the team itself.
Not only did the event create positive energy for the team, but it brought KO’s students together by encouraging school spirit. With the purchase of a Hockey Night shirt, the students had free admission into the game, a free skate opportunity afterward, and a chance to participate in the halftime shooting challenge.
Supporting students were also able to dress down the Friday before and get a free ride to the game. Student involvement in the game and its subevents engaged the entire student body in the excitement.
Freshman Alex Doering described her favorite part of the night. “I liked the end of the night the best when we could just skate around during free skate,” she said. “It was fun to hang out with friends.”
Overall, the event served to foster school spirit for the entire student body as well, honor the four seniors, and encourage the hockey team in their final stretch.
