Eagles Battle Hard in the Annual East vs. West Classic
Despite a full arena of UTM fans, neither Eagles team was able to take home a win against league rivals.
On Saturday, February 8th, the UTM Eagles hockey teams faced off against UTSC in the annual East vs. West classic—a fierce rivalry between U of T’s two satellite campus teams. Despite forecasts of a harsh winter storm, both teams hit the ice determined to claim victory in front of a passionate UTM crowd.
The women’s game kicked off at 5:00 p.m., setting the tone for an intense evening. The UTM fans brought energy and enthusiasm, rallying behind the team with unwavering support. However, despite their grit and determination, the Eagles fell short in a hard-fought 4-1 loss. The players gave everything until the final whistle and remained on the sidelines to cheer on their counterparts in the men’s game.
At 7:00 p.m., the men’s squad took to the ice, facing a tough challenge with a depleted roster. Despite missing key players, the Eagles brought heart and intensity. UTSC, however, didn’t make the long journey in harsh conditions to back down easily.
The opening period was scrappy, with both teams struggling to settle into their game. Sloppy passes and frantic play from the Eagles led to an early 2-0 lead for UTSC. As the period ended, head coach Peter Christopoulos urged the team to hit the reset button and refocus.
The second period saw a shift in momentum when UTM’s Phoenix Walker put the Eagles on the board, finishing a determined forecheck in front of the net. The score tightened to 2-1, but UTSC responded quickly, restoring their two-goal lead at 3-1. As the teams headed to the dressing room for the second intermission, Coach Peter reminded his players of hockey’s infamous truth: A 3-1 lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey. One goal could change the entire game.
With renewed energy, UTM stormed into the third period. Michal Buczek, who had been relentless all game, finally capitalized with a well-placed wrist shot from the high slot, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
The final ten minutes saw UTM throw everything they had at UTSC, battling for every puck, and every opportunity. The crowd roared, the players gave it their all, but time was not on their side. Despite several near-misses and a last-minute push with an empty net, the Eagles couldn’t find the equalizer and ultimately fell 4-2.
Though both UTM teams suffered defeats, the night was a testament to their resilience and passion—a true display of what it means to be an Eagle.
On a personal note, this was my final East vs. West classic in front of my friends and peers at UTM. As a graduating student, these past three years with the Eagles have been some of the most rewarding of my time here. Being part of this team allowed me to continue playing the sport I love at a competitive level while forging unforgettable friendships along the way.
Tri-campus hockey has strengthened my leadership skills and provided a positive, supportive environment that made every game, practice, and road trip worthwhile. A huge thank you to our coaches – Peter Christopoulos, Dan Mui, and Ryan Mui – for their dedication to this team. Their commitment to player development and the love of the game has been invaluable.
As the former men’s hockey captain Sammy Abdulnabi famously said: Fly, Eagles, Fly.
