On Friday, Jan. 10, the Kingswood Oxford varsity hockey team faced off against the Harvey School during Hockey Night. Family, friends, and teachers cheering the team on created a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Hockey Night is an annual tradition that began in 2000 to honor former student Ryan Gordon ’05. While at Kingswood Oxford, Ryan was an honor roll student who managed the hockey team. Unfortunately, Ryan passed away in 2006, just a year after he graduated. His death was caused by VATER syndrome, a condition he was born with that affected many parts of his body. Hockey Night supports his legacy and Ryan’s Circle Of Giving, an impactful organization that provides one student a full scholarship to volunteer in Paraguay through Team Tobati.
Team Tobati was started by Spanish teacher Ronald Garcia as a way for Kingswood Oxford students to have fun while gaining meaningful community service experience. “My time in Tobati was so fun,” junior Sanya Sadiq said. “I volunteered in schools and churches, but also hung out with my friends and the local kids there.” Proceeds from the Hockey Night shirts and tickets directly support Team Tobati, helping them fund their annual community service trips.
Hockey Night’s impact goes beyond honoring Ryan Gordon and fundraising for Team Tobati. It is a great way to strengthen the community by bringing together students, faculty, families, and alumni, many of whom play in the alumni hockey game. “Hockey Night is a fun event where my friends and I can hang out together and support a good cause,” eighth-grader Valerie Perkins said.
The fans’ energy and enthusiasm also mean a lot to the hockey team. “It’s nice that the whole school shows up for us, and them cheering us on is a nice touch to the game,” junior forward Captain Colton Bischoff said.
The team played great during the game, and the younger players rose to the occasion, with sophomore winger Hayden Liddy scoring two goals and sophomore winger Quinn Heal and eighth-grade defender Lizzie Raccio providing key assists. The team’s hard work in practice, which focuses on stick skills, shooting, and strategic plays, was evident in their 9-2 victory against the Harvey School.
Hockey Night is a testament to the community’s ability to unite and support great causes. It remains an excellent and vital tradition at Kingswood Oxford.
