Law hockey ends 16-season championship drought
The Men’s Law Hockey team completed their successful run to the intramural championship in the Fall 2018 season. Matched up against one of their greatest rivals, the Faculty of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (PT/OT), the Law team eked out a close-fought 4–2 victory. In a game that came down to the final minutes, the Law team showed their teamwork, their focus and, above all, a work ethic evocative of their dedication to academics within the Faculty of Law.
Law opened the scoring with a goal from William Eberlee (2L, no relation to the ex-Oilers winger of the same name). Eberlee perfectly placed a shot from the high slot that evaded the outstretched glove of the goaltender. Not long after, Michael Cain (1L, no relation to Bruce Wayne’s butler) added to Law’s lead with a thrilling individual effort. Cain flew down the right wing, snatched the puck away from an unsuspecting PT/OT defender in the corner, and then tucked the puck in short side.
The PT/OT team were dangerous with their speed all night, creating a number of odd-man rushes. At the beginning of the final period, PT/OT capitalized on a 2-on-1 break and cut the Law lead in half. Fortunately, the Law defence regrouped around star goaltender Colin Romano (3L), and this renewed intensity stifled the potent PT/OT offence for the duration of the game. In particular, special recognition should go to the fearless fan favourite Omar Said. He saved a sure goal by putting his body in harm’s way with a heroic dive to block a wide-open slapshot. Minutes later, he repeated the feat in spectacular fashion during a crucial penalty kill.
Standout rookies Kevin Madden (1L) and Matt Brooker (1L) collaborated to notch Law’s pivotal third goal. With under four minutes remaining, Brooker danced past an unsuspecting defender and fired a howitzer of a shot on goal. While the goalie made a beautiful save, the puck bounced out directly onto Madden’s stick, and he made no mistake in firing the puck off the post and into the net.
PT/OT temporarily got within one goal of Law, as they pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. A long shot from the point was inadvertently tipped twice on its way to the net, and Romano stood no chance of seeing the puck. Thankfully for Law, Brooker quickly responded with a beautiful empty net goal with under a minute remaining to put the game out of reach. As the buzzer sounded, the sold-out Varsity Arena erupted with cheers and an ovation, interspersed with the jubilant outcry from Law. Law and PT/OT respectfully shook hands and exchanged wishes of congratulations with compassionate remarks of “good game” and “better luck next year.” Needless to say, PT/OT will be busy rehabbing their bruised egos during the offseason.
After PT/OT cleared the ice, U of T Intramurals Commissioner Barry Gettman presented Law with the fabled Jennings Cup. The Jennings Cup is preeminent among hockey historians for being the longest consecutively-awarded ice hockey trophy in the world. Awarded annually to the top U of T hockey faculty since 1898, it outlasts even Lord Stanley’s Cup, which was not awarded in 1918–1919 due to the Spanish Influenza pandemic.
As each member of the Law team triumphantly lifted the Jennings Cup above their heads, the raucous crowd stamped their feet and cheered until their throats were hoarse. The celebration continued in Law’s dressing room with the guzzling of champagne from the rim of the Jennings Cup. Although unconfirmed, rumours abound of a prolonged celebration at Hemingway’s until the early hours of the morning. One can only assume that Law was busy re-hydrating for their arduous training regimen over the offseason.
The Faculty of Law’s championship represents the culmination of a long and haphazard rebuilding effort for the storied franchise. Falling into disrepair since their last victory in the 2010 Winter season—the controversial “Feathered Snail game”—Law has finally crawled its way back to carve its place in intramural history.
*Spencer Paveck is on the U of T Law Men’s Hockey Team.
