St Andrews Typhoons Win Big!

Last night the St Andrews Typhoons gave the British Ice Hockey champions, the Edinburgh Eagles, a beating in a more than emphatic manner. The game, which took place on the netural territory of the Dundee Ice Rink, was held in honour of St Andrews student and Typhoons player Jonny Wookey, who sadly passed away in an unfortunate accident last year.

It was the first game of ice hockey I’ve ever been to and I was certainly glad I went – it was fantastic. The game was fast moving and the players, on both sides, played with incredible skill. Captain Ollie Cutting lead his team with real vigour – you could see that they were not going to lose. Although the Typhoons went 2-0 down in the first period and the 400 strong crowd of St Andrews supporters momentarily went silent, our team soon smashed in two quick goals in rapid succession and the tide was turned.               

Edinburgh were constantly on the back foot, outclassed both technically and physically. Towards the end of the first period, Matt Wheeler threw down his gloves and, in accordance with Ice Hockey rules, went in for a clean fight. After a few punches here and there, play resumed. I think that’s the most exciting aspect of ice hockey: watching two grown men batter each other in what is essentially a small organized street fight. And it didn’t stop there. Eventual man of the match and hat-trick-hero CJ Ganss took a questionable hit. The result? Reed Picton rushed in at bullet speed in defence of Ganss, knocking down the Edinburgh man and beating him into pulp. He was, of course, sent off but the crowd didn’t care and nor did Picton, because the game was already in the bag. St Andrews won 6-3.    

All in all, it was a great game and a novel experience. The barman at the ice rink said that that was the best crowd atmphosere he’s ever witnessed at the venue! The Typhoons deserved the game, and a poignant ceremony at the the end of the event honoured the name of Jonny Wookey.  

headline image © David Ross, images © Melkon Charchoglyan