Goodbyes are always hard, whether they are said to a loved one, a loved place or, in this case, a loved sport; they are never easy.
Saturday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. will mark a goodbye for seniors of the UW Hockey team, as the game against the Air Force Academy will be their senior night.
The game looks to be a tough one as Air Force is currently ranked first in the Division 3 standings, and have beat the Cowboys once already this season in a hard-fought overtime game.
The Cowboys are hoping and working really hard for a different outcome this time around.
Senior and president of the UW Hockey team, Eric Tomasello, has some bitter sweet feelings regarding the upcoming senior night. He knows that it will be difficult to say goodbye but also knows what this game means to the Pokes.
“It’s bittersweet. I’ve been playing for the team for 4 and a half years and been a captain for 2,” Tomasello said. “It will be very difficult for me.”
Sophomore Garrett Ferguson who joined the UW Hockey team this season has some fond memories with the seniors and is thankful for their inclusivity and mentoring nature.
“They’ve helped me become a part of the team and to really start learning the system,” Ferguson said.
Tomasello has accomplished many things during his time with the team, but Tomasello wants to be remembered for his tempo that was unmatched on the ice. Also to be remembered as a team player.
“I’ve always tried to be the guy that picked teammates up,” Tomasello said “I want to be remembered as the guy who gave it his all.”
The feelings in the locker room during senior night are foreseen to be emotional.
“It’s going to be hard for all of us,” Ferguson said.
Tomasello spoke to the bond the team shares regarding the magnitude of the coming games, as there are serious playoff implications for the Pokes.
“We’re up against a wall these last few games for playoffs, but we have a lot of chemistry and that will do us well as we go into these last few,” Tomasello said.
Tomasello has many words of encouragement for his teammates and fellow seniors.
“We have work to do and the guys who can do it,” Tomasello said “We can’t leave regrets or take anything for granted. We have to remember this is the home stretch and leave it all on the ice. This is more than just a game because it might be our last.”
Senior night will be a bittersweet night for the University of Wyoming Hockey team but, legendary sports broadcaster, Ernie Harwell, summed it up best when he said, “It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.”
Though it may be a time of great sadness, as it will be these seniors last home game, it is also a time of great triumph, for there are new adventures on the horizon.
Go out and support the UW Hockey team Saturday at their senior night.
