Faculty and Alumni Defeat Students in Columbus Hockey Game Before Packed Arena

By Mark Tanner

The Columbus community packed the arena for an exciting event as students faced off against faculty and alumni in a legendary hockey game that showcased the Columbus brotherhood in action. workers

Players lining up to say good game after the game finished. (Photo Credit: Mark Tanner)

The game began with school president Thomas Kruczeck dropping the puck. He also coached the Alumni team, while Columbus legend Mr. Staiano and Coach Gus led the students. The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Marinelli, served as the announcer, keeping the crowd engaged throughout the whole game. The first 50 fans to arrive received a commemorative official game puck, which added even more excitement before the game began.

Official Columbus game puck. (Photo Credit: Mark Tanner)

One of the most special stories of the night came from the Diaz family. Vinny Diaz ‘27 got to play with his younger brother, Tony Diaz ‘29, while also competing against his older brother, Gus Diaz ‘25. This strong connection of family was a perfect example of the Columbus brotherhood.

"Playing with and against and with my brothers was a surreal experience, I think everyone wants to play a game with or against their brother. at least ones in their life." said Vinny Diaz '27.

"Getting to wear that Columbus 'C' on my chest against felt amazing. I felt like I was a student again" said Gus Diaz '25.

Stanley, the mascot of the Florida Panthers, was also at the event, and he quickly became a fan favorite. From taking pictures with the fans to entertaining the crowd with his antics, his energy helped keep the game fun between plays.

From left to right: Vinny Diaz, Tony Diaz, Gus Diaz. (Photo Credit: Mark Tanner)

The game itself started off fast. Both teams were taking shots early, but the goalies made strong plays. The students struck first with Ian Mundy scoring to make it 1-0. Soon after, Diaz added another point to the board for the students, making it 2-2. All of a sudden, with little time left on the clock, Alejandro Ortiz scored for the faculty and alumni team to make it a 2-1 game going into the second quarter.

The second quarter turned into an offensive battle. Ortiz struck again with a nasty top left shot to tie the game at 2-2. The students responded quickly with back-to-back goals from Lucas Gonzalez and Christian Grainer, giving them a 4-2 lead. The faculty and alumni team had had enough of the games, and they locked in. Albert Conception flew through the ring and scored one with Ortiz scoring another banger right after completing his hat trick before the end of the second quarter, tying the game at 4-4.

The third and final quarter was full of action. The faculty and alumni team came out with a new type of energy. You could tell they felt like they were 16 or 17 again. J.Perez scored with a penalty on the students to give the alumni a 4-5 lead. Soon after that, O’Neil and Ortiz scored again, with Ortiz finishing the night with four goals. The student team was struggling to keep up with the fast pace at which the faculty and alumni team were playing. The game ended with a 4-8 win for the Faculty and alumni team.

It was clear from the energy in the stands and the excitement on the ice that the Columbus community really enjoyed this event. And many think it should become a yearly tradition like the seniors vs faculty basketball game.

"If it is economically viable, then for sure" said Mr. Frazier.

In the end, the experience mattered more than who won or lost. Students, teachers, alumni and families all came out to show support for Columbus.

Should this game become a tradition?

• Yes
• No