2000-01 Alumni Game

On January 20, 2001, young and old Ryerson Rams Hockey Alumni got together to lock horns at St. Mike’s Arena. Twenty nine players from as early as 1951 to as recent as 1998 came from as far away as Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and London to meet with old team mates and friends, relive old times, tell a few jokes and of course, play a little hockey.

The exciting game was not decided until a last minute goal when the line of Michael Gabbana, Kirk Stover and Anthony Miele proved to be too hot for Team Blue to handle in the 3rd annual “Blue & White” game.

Michael Gabbana opened the scoring for Team White at 10:47 of the first period and that goal held until Darren Matias tied the game at 6:21 of the second. Kirk Stover, the player of the game, answered back with two goals during one shift late in the second period to give Team White a 3-1 lead.

Mick Mitrovic brought Team Blue to within 1 goal in the first minute of the third period and if not for the outstanding goaltending of Bob Stoddart, who last wore a Ram’s uniform in 1969, the game surely could have been tied several times. Stoddart foiled several chances by Team Blue including a break away opportunity late in the second period when Team Blue was applying heavy pressure.

With 52 seconds left in the third period, Anthony Miele secured Team Blue’s fate by adding a goal to his two previous assists. The Miele, Stover, Gabbana line potted all 4 goals for Team White and shared nine points between them on the evening.

After the alumni game the current Rams faced off against Royal Military College. The Rams continued their winning ways from their fine effort the night before with back to back wins over Queens University 6-3 and RMC 6-4. To read more about the current team, click on one of our links to their web site.

A Ram For 50 Years

Julian Smith coached the Rams in 1951-52 and played for the championship team of 1952-53. A special highlight of the game was the steady defensive play of the 73 year old former team captain. Before he came to Ryerson in 1951, Julian played for the Quebec Aces of the Quebec League where one of his line mates was former Leaf coach and GM, Punch Imlach. Julian is now retired in London, ON where he still plays hockey four times a week. Our hats go off to him.

In the post game ceremonies, Julian was presented with an Appreciation/Achievement award by Acting Athletic Director, Chuck Mathies.