Last night, our Boys’ Varsity Hockey team and St. Lawrence Central played a Hockey vs. Cancer game in the Golden Dome. This game, while a victory for our boys, was also a success in a much greater way.
The game, which ended in a 6-2 win for OFA, was arranged as a way to raise money for the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center at Claxton Hepburn Hospital. Funds were raised via 50/50 Raffle, Chuck-A-Puck, private donations, and a t-shirt sale coordinated by Misty & Justin Fishel of QT Laser in Ogdensburg.
In addition to fundraising, this game had a deep, meaningful impact on everyone involved. To start the game, OFA Hockey team members honored two school community members, Mr. Pete Amo and Mr. Lonnie Shippee, with a “Sticks Up” tribute. Mr. Amo, a busdriver in the district, had undergone a procedure at the hospital earlier in the day but was still able to make a short appearance for the game. Mr. Shippee, an English teacher in the district, was able to watch the game, which ended with a special surprise.
As a tradition, after each home game, the hockey team gathers in the locker room to name a Player of the Game. The winner is presented with an OFA hard hat, and a chain necklace. The OFA Hockey team honored their two special guests by awarding them the Player of the Game in last night’s locker room ceremony.
We are so proud of the students involved in the planning and execution of this event, and grateful for the OFA Key Club, district staff, and community members who helped to make it possible. Our school community has a way of coming together for those in need, and we could not be more proud to be Blue Devils today.
For more about the event, read this article written by Dave Shea for the Watertown Daily Times.
