The MFJS Reporter — Winter 2020 T-R

Last Tuesday, Feb. 4, it was an electric night in the Joy Burns Area during week two of DU’s Intramural Broomball league. At 10:30 p.m. on the East Ice, the 1-1 DeltaSigs took on 2-0 Terry (yes, their team name is just Terry) in a heated battle that ended with bumps, bruises, and a little blood.

After strapping on some sweaty, black helmets, the DeltaSigs stormed onto the ice led by team captain Amity Christie. All seven DeltaSigs were in full grey outfits looking a little nervous. Shortly after, Terry emerged on the ice, decked out in different colored Hawaiian shirts, trailed by coach Luke Talkington, wearing a completely red suit completed with a clipboard.

“We’re really shaping up this quarter,” said Terry player sophomore Lauren Leland. “We struggled a bit last season, but with three brand new recruits our team has gotten really strong. We’re fresh off a win last week and I’m excited to see what we can bring tonight.”

After strapping on some sweaty, black helmets, the DeltaSigs stormed onto the ice led by team captain Amity Christie. All seven DeltaSigs were in full all black outfits looking a little nervous. Shortly after came on Terry, decked out in different colored Hawaiian shirts, trailed by coach Luke Talkington, wearing an entirely red suit.

The whistle blew at 10:35 p.m., with Terry player Grant Hussey and DeltaSigs player Dean Skinner taking the faceoff. Hussey was strong in the faceoff and successfully flicked the ball to fellow Terry teammate Ben Goldberg.

Rushing to protect the goal, DeltaSigs players Michael Schafer and Laura Osborne attacked Goldberg, successfully defending their home net. In hopes to breakaway, Schafer railed the ball towards the other side of the ice. Unfortunately, his efforts were met by Terry midfielder, junior Camryn Biaggi.

Biaggi was able to dampen the DeltaSigs’ efforts, dribbling the ball into enemy territory. A series of passes commenced between Terry, with Goldberg ultimately scoring the first goal at 9:30, nearly halfway through the first period.

After a cheery celebration between team Terry, the DeltaSigs were ready to bring the thunder.  Dean Skinner took the faceoff this time around, successfully dribbling the puck up into Terry territory. With the Terry defense lacking, Skinner took his shot against the goal. He unfortunately fell short, as the ball hit the post and bounced out of bounds. Terry goalie Quinn Ryan appeared incredibly relieved.

“Yeah that stunk when that happened,” said DeltaSigs player Laura Osborne. “It was just an unfortunate shot.”

The remainder of the period saw continual changes in possession between both teams. As the buzzer went off at the end of eighteen minutes, Terry led, 1-0. Both teams huddled for the quick one-minute half time. Hugs, banter and a few good laughs were exchanged among players.

“Let’s get this bread!” shouted Terry player Carson Blocker, as the second and final period commenced.

Grant Hussey and Dean Skinner took the second face off once again. Hussey, bringing the heat, took the face off and passed to Terry player Doug Yount. DeltaSigs goalie Chris Lampsa held his own, but ultimately fell short to a quick shot by Yount. Terry was now up 2-0.

After more smiles and celebrations, another faceoff went down, this time with Yount and Skinner going head to head. Skinner took the ball this time, with fellow player Chris Lampsa catching the ball. As Lampsa came toward the Terry goal, defensemen Sarah DeMane got a bit aggressive, ultimately resulting in a high-sticking penalty against Terry.

The DeltaSigs were getting hungry, looking to score their first goal of the evening. Lamspa, winning the ball, passed to Michael Schaffer, who then took a shot at the goal. The ball, however, landed right in goalie Quinn Ryan’s hands.

As Ryan tossed it to the other side of the ice, Terry player Peter Lifvendahl was there for its receival. While the rest of DeltaSigs hurried to defense, Lifvendahl took his shot, successfully scoring Terry’s third goal of the evening with five minutes remaining in the second period.

With this much of a lead, the game was looking like it might be over. The DeltaSigs struggled for the remainder of the game, with no breakaways, but successful defense, thus keeping Terry from scoring one more time.

At the buzzer, group hugs went around both teams. All players from Terry and the DeltaSigs then lined up and shook hands for a good game. It was quite a heated one, ending in smiles for Terry but an unfortunate loss for the DeltaSigs.

“It’s funny how there are times where things actually get super intense on the ice” said game referee, sophomore Anna Bean. “Like, take a breath everyone, I know we’re competitive, but it is just broomball. Intramural broomball. Chill and have a good time.”

Next week, Terry will lead the league with two wins and no losses. The DeltaSigs are in the hunt for redemption, with one win and one loss for the season.