After a year away, Gateway alumni reunite for annual black/white hockey game
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Sunday January 23, 2022 | 11:01 a.m.
Wendy Colarusso | Gateway Hockey
Three Gateway Hockey alumni were recognized with induction into the Gateway Hockey Alumni Honor Roll on December 26, 2021, at Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont. Left to right are Ed Potts, Jake Breakwell and John Desmond, Jr.
Wendy Colarusso | Gateway Hockey
The Gateway Black/White Alumni Game action was competitive with the White team winning 8-5. On the ice at Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont are Mike Sargo, Ryan Taylor, Brian Reid, Brendan Hamilton and John Desmond Jr.
Wendy Colarusso | Gateway Hockey
Gateway Hockey alumni from five decades competed in the Black/White Alumni Game on December 26, 2021 at Palmer Imaging Arena in Delmont. In front, from left to right, are John Dominick, Ryan Taylor, Jake Breakwell, Matt Sargo, Zach Bache, Jim Matthews, Aaron Zola, Sean Biancaniello and Miranda Pioth. At the back are Jamie Storey Hayden Hines, Jovani Colarusso, Hayden Nadeau, Christian Zola, Bryan Reid, Nate Cirucci, Garret Hamilton, Shawn Jesih, Brendan Hamilton, John Desmond, Tyler Jesih, Mike Sargo, Blake Marsh, Ed Potts, Joe Kasper, Vince Venditti, Branden Scheffler, Jon Kasper, Camden Cacolice, Tyler Perhac, Craig Leith, John Praksti and JD McNamara.
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Stefan Biancaniello walked the landscape at Palmer Imaging Ice Arena in Delmont on Dec. 26, and his heart warmed.
After Covid canceled the 2020 Gateway Hockey alumni gathering, Biancaniello hoped things would go back to the way they were.
With more than 40 alumni attending Gateway hockey’s 50th anniversary year kick-off event, Biancaniello said he was pleased to once again be able to help celebrate the organization’s rich traditions.
“It was great to see everyone who came out,” he said.
“We announced it through the current Gateway Hockey Organization, and they did a terrific job of letting people know it was the 50th anniversary kickoff. It was a great participation. »
Gateway hockey first hit the ice in 1972, and in four short years the Gators went undefeated and won the WPIHL Class AA title.
Gateway also won the WPIHL AAA title in 1996.
A centerpiece of each year’s celebration is the recognition of three alumni inductees for their contributions on and off the ice to the Gateway Hockey Alumni Honor Roll.
This year, John Desmond Jr. (1995), Ed Potts (1991) and Jake Breakwell (1992) were honored.
Biancaniello said the Alumni Honor Roll began in 2008 to recognize former players and coaches who, “through their dedication and support of Gateway hockey on and off the ice over time, have contributed to the great legacy that is Gateway hockey”.
The integration process lasts four months each year, from the beginning of April to mid-October. To be eligible, a graduate must be nominated.
Over 40 players and coaches have been inducted into the Alumni Honor Roll. Additionally, the inaugural team from 1972 was inducted in 2012.
The alumni organization also initiated the recognition of several coaches – Dennis Shannon, Mike Sargo Sr., Ray Leith, Sean Biancaniello, Gene Perhac, John Desmond Sr. and Rob Wareham – for their dedication to leading Gateway teams over the years. years.
Of the alumni in attendance, 38 of them played in the Black-White alumni game.
“We had guys on the ice who represented all five decades of Gateway hockey,” Biancaniello said.
“It was a close, competitive and fun game.”
The white team won 8-5 and won the Golden Gator Alumni trophy.
Biancaniello said there will be other events planned throughout the year. The next event will be tied to the Gateway Junior Varsity Team’s Feb. 4 game against Norwin at 6:15 p.m. at Palmer Imaging Arena.
Other coaches will be celebrated, including the current coaching staff led by head coach Shawn Jesih. An official push for the annual Alumni Golf Outings Fundraiser, scheduled for August 6 at Cloverleaf Golf Club in Delmont, will be announced.
“The wheels started turning on that,” Biancaniello said.
Michael Love is a staff writer for Tribune-Review. You can contact Michael by email at mlove@triblive.com or via Twitter .
Key words: bridge
