York Hockey Club honored their senior players during a ceremony on Fri., Jan. 27. 

This year’s departing seniors, Tom Albin #59, Anders Caster #26, Niko Castino #33, Alex Crum #50, Matt Davis #39, Elliott Fafinski #66, Nick Lee #12, Drew Medema #2, Michael Rouzer #42 and Anthony Trankina #55, were all recognized for their accomplishments as York Hockey players and given a chance to say goodbye to the team and sport they loved.

“I’ve played four years here, and I’ve witnessed [the ceremony] happen three times,” said senior and varsity player Michael Rouzer. “Now that I’m the senior and the ceremony is happening to me, it’s a good thing to see, but it’s also kind of sad. It’s always a good thing to see your teammates support you like that.”

The main reason that this ceremony is bitter-sweet for some players is that it reminds them that this is their final year playing for York. However, it also lets the remember all the fond memories they have created over the years.

“Last year, on our last game, we played a championship game at home, and we got the W,” said Rouzer. “It kind of brought momentum this year and pushed us to make sure we hold to that same standard. That was a pretty great moment to have for a final game.”

Looking back on their years as players, it is not just the specific games or practices that they remember but the general, everyday moments of being a York player.

“[I remember] pretty much all the moments of being able to go to school and represent your school in a sport that you love, playing with friends and just playing for the love of the game,” said Matt Davis. “I’m gonna really miss going through school, thinking about the game all day long, finally building up the crowd’s cheers and hopefully going out and playing the game you love.”

York Hockey has provided the players with incredibly fun times and fond memories, but now, as seniors, they realize what they’re going to miss most about playing.

“Definitely my friends,” said Anders Caster, senior and varsity player. “I’ve had all my friends play York hockey, I’ve been playing it for three years and I’ve just enjoyed every second playing with my friends. That’s definitely the number one thing…I’m probably not going to be able to do that again.”

On the team, many of the friendships made aren’t just about hockey, even if that’s where they begin. Most of the players have become friends on and off the ice, and often hang out together. This bond can be seen clearly by the camaraderie seen between the players.

“Playing with your friends, it’s a great time,” said senior Anthony Trankina. “Everyone goes and hangs out outside the school, we all meet up before practice and go to practice together. It’s a good bond with all the boys together.”

The players, while having fun times playing, have also developed skills useful for much more than just hockey.

“Playing York Hockey you develop a brotherhood,” said Rouzer. “Everyone, even if you’re not a captain, develops leadership abilities. You gotta help all your teammates out no matter what the situation is. You develop an individual sense of how to be a good teammate and a leader around your friends.”

The coach, and the entire team that helps to organize and plan the hockey team’s games and practices, are very proud of this group of senior players. They know the sacrifice and hard work they have put in, and also the great results they have achieved.

“This group of seniors have been great to coach,” said Bruce Turpin, head coach for the varsity team. “With the exception of two to three, most have been in the program for three to four years now and have helped us rebuild our club and culture. We are so proud of what they have accomplished as players, and prouder for what they have become. Playing this great game teaches you that life is always a work in progress and it’s how you choose to handle adversity that begins to shape you as individuals.”