Photo Courtesy / Billy Courtice

A roaring UTSC crowd made themselves heard with a sold out group of 400 students packing two entire sections for the Toronto Marlies game on Mar. 13 against the Texas Stars at the Ricoh Coliseum.

The UTSC students’spirit was overwhelming, though it didn’t quite help lift the Marlies over the Dallas’ AHL affiliate. They lost in a shootout 2-1, though it didn’t seem to deter anyone from a good time on the ice afterward.

The event was an overwhelming success thanks to Scarborough Campus Hockey Players’ Association (SCHPA) President Greg Danko, who spearheaded the event’s planning. Danko donned his UTSC jersey for the skate following the game, despite exhaustion from organizing the day.

“Give it a couple of days, and let me look at all the photos, and then I’ll be satisfied,” Danko said.

Planning the event was a gruelling task for the hockey association, but Danko felt hockey should be enjoyed by people of all countries, as it’s an essential part of Canadian culture.

“I was very pleased with the strong showing, especially the 46 of 50 international students whom we invited,” said Randy Thomas, director of UTSC athletics and recreation.

Thomas said the best way for the UTSC international population to embrace hockey was to get them on the ice to learn.

Photo Courtesy / Billy Courtice

Ticket-holding students we’re treated to $5,000 worth of skates and gloves to put to use on the ice following the game. The equipment was then to be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Scarborough.

“Hockey is a great sport to watch and play, that’s why I think all you need to do to grow the sport is get [the international students] out to a game and let their interest take hold from there,” said Joe Colborne, prized Leafs prospect.

The former first round draft pick is fairly new to Toronto after being traded from the Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins affiliate) to the Toronto Marlies in February. Colborne, much like many international students was thrown into the bustling city of Toronto—arguably the world capital of hockey.

“The fans here are mad!” said Sam Getty, English exchange student. “Going to a hockey game was definitely a memorable experience.”

Getty comes from a country ruled by “football” with “football hooligans” ready to feverishly support their team, but Getty said hockey fans and footy fans don’t differ all that much.

“Even though it wasn’t the Leafs, it was still great to see future Maple Leafs,” said Mark Ellis, a member of the UTSC ‘B’ hockey team.

Photo Courtesy / Billy Courtice

Injured Marlies: Joe Colborne and Marcel Mueller made themselves present to UTSC students whether they wanted to or not. Colborne graciously spent nearly half an hour signing autographs for UTSC students and alumni; Mueller on the other hand made the poor decision of sitting dressed to perfection in the heart of the UTSC section – where he was immediately swamped by fans.

The SCHPA hopes to continue the event for years to come, but they will have to do it without Danko, who is set to graduate this year. Danko said he hopes the event will strengthen ties between UTSC and Ricoh Coliseum.

He said one day he hopes UTSC’s annual “Duck Hunt” against UTM’s Eagles will be held at Ricoh Coliseum.