Experience a Keene State Club hockey game through the eyes of a student News Keene State College

Keene State Club hockey games are an experience like no other. You can feel the energy – from the fans to the team, Keene Ice is electric when there’s a game.

As you enter the arena, the cold air hits your face and your senses overwhelm you. You can smell the popcorn and the ice rink. Seats quickly fill with spectators bundled up from head to toe in coats, hats and cozy blankets. The music begins to rise and the team emerge from the locker room to shouts, chants and applause as the Keene community rallies for the game.

Teams warm up, filling the arena with the sound of pucks and skates sliding across the ice. The crowd shouts encouragement to the owls and music blasts through the speakers. Then the buzzer sounds and it’s time to let go of the puck.

The national anthem begins and the arena is silent for a while, before the sound of a hockey stick hitting the ice becomes clearer, signaling both teams to take the ice. The puck falls and the arena fills again with screams.

Keene State students circle the ice, singing and pounding the glass, going mad to support the players. The clock counts down the minutes of each period, getting closer and closer to the buzzer. Everyone is at the edge of their seats cheering on Keene State, hoping for a goal.

Red and white lightning on the ice, there is the sound of a stick hitting the puck, then a split second of silence followed by an explosion of absolute energy. Keene State scores, the crowd goes wild and the buzzer roars. The Owls leave with a last second victory.

Crowds rush to the door or rush to see their favorite hockey player. It doesn’t matter if the Owls win or lose, everyone knows they’ll be back to watch the next one.

Written by Lily Viapiano ’22