Annual game a hallmark event in the OUA
The Guelph Gryphons men’s hockey team faced off against the Laurier Golden Hawks in the eighth annual Frosty Mug on Jan. 19, defeating them 2-1 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 4,670 at the Sleeman Centre.
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The last time these two teams faced each other, the Golden Hawks took down the Gryphons 5-1. However, it was clear from the start that this game was going to be a different story.
In the first period, the Gryphons looked energized and quickly went ahead thanks to a one timer from Marc Stevens at 2:46 into the period.
Despite some big plays and many good chances from both teams, the remainder of the period saw the score stay at 1-0 for Guelph.
The first intermission saw the Gryphons’ figure skating team perform a synchronized routine to the Game of Thrones theme song, much to the crowds’ excitement.
The Frosty Mug, Guelph’s winter homecoming, doubled this year as the Bell Let’s Talk game to promote mental health awareness. Gryphon athletes wore blue Bell Let’s Talk toques and every fan was given blue thunder sticks to celebrate the event.
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During the intermissions, a video was played on the big screen featuring Gryphon athletes who are using their voices to help break the stigma surrounding mental health.
The Student Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI), who partnered with Bell Let’s Talk for the campaign, was also at the game to help spread awareness.
“It’s great because there are a lot of people here so you get to really promote mental health awareness,” said Mackenzie Wong, an athlete on the Gryphon women’s hockey team and a member of the Guelph SAMHI team. “Mental health is so key in everyone’s life, so it is really important to help break the stigma.”
“It’s a great cause. It’s good to get everyone talking about the stigma going on with mental health. On Jan. 25, Bell Let’s Talk Day, we need to get everyone tweeting [and] texting about mental health,” said Ben Burley, a member of the men’s rugby team.
When asked about the game, Burley added, “The energy is unreal in this building right now. Scott Simmonds had a huge hit in the first period, which set the tone for the whole game.”
The second period saw both teams put it all on the line. Laurier proved that they are well-matched with the Gryphons, which made the game close and intense.
The crowd was behind the Gryphons throughout the game, cheering for Guelph and heckling Laurier at every available opportunity. More than once, the crowd taunted the Golden Hawks goalie, trying to get into his head.
Laurier got the better of Guelph at 6:37 into the second period as Erik Pushka equalized on the power-play.
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At 1-1, the game ramped up as both teams got physical, giving the crowd even more of a reason to cheer.
It was clear that a win in the Frosty Mug, despite it being an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) regular season game, meant a lot to the Gryphons as they fought hard for every puck.
Fourth-year player Manny Gialedakis, playing in his first Frosty Mug as he spent last season as a redshirt on the bench, became the hero of the night as he netted a spectacular goal at 13:07 into the second period.
The crowd erupted as the puck hit the net, giving the Gryphons a 2-1 lead over Laurier.
The third period of the game saw the Gryphons continue to search for another goal. Although they led the game, Guelph did not sit back as they continued to press into Laurier’s half.
With a couple minutes left in the period, the Golden Hawks pulled their goalie. With an extra-man advantage on the ice, Laurier came close to scoring more than once only to be stopped by Guelph goalie Keith Hamilton.
Hamilton, the reserve goalie, was called up to play this game as the Gryphon number one Scott Stajcer is out serving a three-game suspension for a penalty sustained in their game against the University of Toronto on Jan. 15.
The back-up goalie rose to the occasion as he kept Laurier from tying up the game with a critical diving save in the dying minutes.
The game ended in a 2-1 victory for the Gryphons, who remain tied on points with Laurier in the OUA standings. Guelph has two games in hand over Laurier, and must continue playing with intensity to reach the playoffs this year.
For Gialedakis, this game was one he will never forget.
“It’s been a long time coming, being a redshirt last year. I’ve been on three different teams and I’ve finally found my home. Words can’t describe today.”
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we have the best fans in the CIS,” said the fourth-year centre. “It really makes a difference having that sixth man out there.”
Going forward, the team will continue to play hard-nosed hockey.
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“Today was a glimpse into what playoff hockey is going to be like,” added Gialedakis. “We have a great group of guys and when we rally together, I don’t think anyone can beat us.”
After their exciting victory at the Frosty Mug, the Gryphons battled against a tough Waterloo team on Sat, Jan. 21. The Gryphons fell 4-3 in double overtime.
Despite the loss, Guelph still has six regular season games remaining and will look to take on the McGill Redmen next, who are ranked fourth in the country, on Fri, Jan. 27.
Feature photo by Tasha Falconer.