Saint John’s Hockey has a rich history that spans over a century. Since its inception, the program has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate ice hockey. The Saint John’s hockey team has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but through it all, it has remained a beloved institution on campus and a point of pride for alumni and fans alike.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history of Saint John’s hockey, exploring the early days of the program, notable players who have contributed to its success, and memorable moments that have cemented its place in hockey lore. We’ll also take a closer look at the evolution of the team’s uniforms, its fiercest rivalries, and what the future holds for this storied program. So grab your favorite hockey jersey and get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Saint John’s hockey.
Table of Contents
The Early Days of Saint John’s Hockey
Saint John’s Hockey has come a long way since its inception in the early 20th century. The team’s first season was in 1904, and it quickly established itself as a serious contender in the world of college hockey. But what were those early days like? Let’s take a closer look.
The Birth of Saint John’s Hockey
- Fr. Alexander Berghold, a faculty member at Saint John’s University, is credited with starting the hockey program in 1904.
- The team played its first game against the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 16, 1904, and won 4-1.
- For many years, the team played outdoors on frozen lakes and ponds, with no regulation rinks available.
The Golden Age of Saint John’s Hockey
By the 1920s and 1930s, Saint John’s Hockey had become a powerhouse in collegiate hockey, dominating opponents with its skilled players and well-coached teams.
- During this time, the team played many of its games in the old National Guard Armory in downtown St. Cloud, Minnesota.
- One of the team’s greatest players during this era was Art Johnson, who played from 1927 to 1931 and set many records that still stand today.
- The 1930-1931 season was one of the team’s best, with a record of 19-1-1 and a trip to the National Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament.
The Decline and Resurgence of Saint John’s Hockey
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Saint John’s Hockey program experienced a decline in talent and success, with losing seasons becoming more common.
- In 1969, the team was suspended due to budget cuts, and the program seemed to be at an end.
- But in 1972, the team was reinstated thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated alumni and fans.
- The team has since seen a resurgence in success, with multiple conference championships and trips to the NCAA tournament.
From humble beginnings on frozen lakes to national success and back again, the early days of Saint John’s Hockey have shaped the program into what it is today.
Notable Players in Saint John’s Hockey History
Throughout its history, Saint John’s hockey has produced some of the most talented players in the game. These players have gone on to achieve great success both on and off the ice, making significant contributions to the sport of hockey and beyond.
Here are just a few of the most notable players in Saint John’s hockey history:
Ryan McDonagh
Ryan McDonagh was a standout defenseman for Saint John’s University from 2007-2010, earning All-American honors in his senior year. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007 and has since gone on to play for the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. McDonagh has also represented the United States in international competition, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
John Harrington
John Harrington was a star forward for Saint John’s in the early 1970s, leading the team in scoring in both his junior and senior seasons. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1972 and went on to play for the team for five seasons, scoring 105 goals and 113 assists in 382 games. Harrington later served as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Wild and the New Jersey Devils.
Andrew Murray
Andrew Murray played for Saint John’s from 2000-2004, earning All-American honors in his senior year. He was signed as a free agent by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2004 and played for the team for four seasons before being traded to the San Jose Sharks. Murray also played for the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins during his NHL career, scoring 24 goals and 29 assists in 220 games.
- Notable players: Ryan McDonagh, John Harrington, Andrew Murray
- Standout defenseman: Ryan McDonagh
- Star forward: John Harrington
- All-American honors: Ryan McDonagh, Andrew Murray
The Evolution of Saint John’s Hockey Uniforms
For more than a century, Saint John’s hockey has been a staple of the college’s sports program. Throughout the years, the uniforms worn by players have undergone several changes and have become iconic symbols of the team’s identity.
The evolution of Saint John’s hockey uniforms can be traced back to the early 1900s. In those days, the team’s uniforms were simple and practical. Players wore woolen sweaters with the letters “SJU” stitched across the chest. They paired these with dark-colored pants and leather skates, which were the norm at the time.
The 1920s and 1930s
In the 1920s and 1930s, Saint John’s hockey uniforms took on a more polished and professional look. The team’s colors, red and white, were prominently featured in the design. Players wore woolen jerseys with thick horizontal stripes in these colors. The jerseys had a “SJU” emblem on the chest and were paired with dark pants and socks.
The team’s first leather helmets were also introduced during this period. These were used to protect players’ heads during games and were a significant advancement in player safety.
The 1960s and 1970s
- During the 1960s and 1970s, Saint John’s hockey uniforms underwent another significant change. The jerseys were modernized and became more streamlined. The thick horizontal stripes were replaced with thinner vertical ones, and the “SJU” emblem was moved to the sleeve.
- One of the most iconic features of the uniforms from this era was the red helmet with a white stripe down the middle. The helmets were made of hard plastic and were significantly lighter than their leather predecessors.
The 2000s and Beyond
- In the 2000s, Saint John’s hockey uniforms underwent another major redesign. The traditional red and white colors were retained, but the design became more modern and sleek.
- Today, players wear jerseys made of lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric that keeps them cool and comfortable during games. The “SJU” emblem is prominently displayed on the chest, and the white stripe on the red helmet has become a defining feature of the team’s identity.
- The uniforms are designed to be both functional and stylish, and they reflect the team’s commitment to excellence on the ice.
In conclusion, the evolution of Saint John’s hockey uniforms is a testament to the team’s rich history and enduring legacy. From the simple woolen sweaters of the early 1900s to the modern, high-tech jerseys of today, the uniforms worn by players have always been a source of pride and inspiration for the Saint John’s community.
Memorable Moments in Saint John’s Hockey History
In the rich history of Saint John’s hockey, there have been several memorable moments that have left an indelible mark on the sport. One of the most notable was the team’s 2001 championship victory, where they defeated their bitter rivals, the Moncton Wildcats, in a dramatic overtime finish. The crowd erupted in jubilation as the team hoisted the championship trophy, cementing their place in Saint John’s hockey lore. Another memorable moment occurred in 1992, when the team unveiled their iconic black and gold uniforms, which have become synonymous with the franchise.
However, not all memorable moments were happy ones. In 2008, the team suffered a devastating loss when their star player was diagnosed with a career-ending injury. The team rallied together in support of their fallen teammate, and the community came together to show their support as well. This moment showcased the strength and resilience of the Saint John’s hockey community and will always be remembered as a testament to the team’s character.
Championship Glory
- The 2001 championship victory
- The team’s historic overtime win against the Moncton Wildcats
- The crowd’s eruption in jubilation as the team hoisted the championship trophy
Iconic Uniforms
The team’s iconic black and gold uniforms were first unveiled in 1992 and have become synonymous with the franchise. These uniforms have been worn by some of the most legendary players in Saint John’s hockey history and continue to be a beloved symbol of the team’s success.
The Team’s Resilience
The 2008 season saw the team suffer a devastating loss when their star player was diagnosed with a career-ending injury. Despite the setback, the team rallied together in support of their teammate and the community came together to show their support as well. This moment showcased the strength and resilience of the Saint John’s hockey community and will always be remembered as a testament to the team’s character.
The Rivalries of Saint John’s Hockey
Rivalries are a fundamental aspect of sports, and Saint John’s Hockey has its fair share of intense competition. From historical matchups to current rivalries, the excitement of the game is amplified when these teams meet.
Here are some of the top rivalries in Saint John’s Hockey history:
Saint John’s vs. Saint Mary’s
The Saint John’s vs. Saint Mary’s rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense in Saint John’s Hockey history. The two teams first met in 1921 and have been playing each other regularly ever since. The rivalry intensified in the 1970s when both teams became NCAA Division III powerhouses, with Saint John’s winning two national championships and Saint Mary’s winning one.
Saint John’s vs. Concordia
The Saint John’s vs. Concordia rivalry is another long-standing and highly competitive matchup. The two teams have played each other since 1956 and have faced off in numerous MIAC and NCAA playoff games. The rivalry reached a peak in the early 2000s when both teams were nationally ranked and competed for conference championships.
Saint John’s vs. St. Thomas
The Saint John’s vs. St. Thomas rivalry is one of the most highly anticipated games on the Saint John’s Hockey schedule each year. The two teams have a storied history, dating back to their first meeting in 1949. The rivalry intensified in the 1980s and 1990s when both teams were consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally and competed for conference championships. Today, the rivalry continues to be one of the most intense and competitive matchups in Saint John’s Hockey.
- Rivalries are an integral part of sports and add excitement to the game.
- Saint John’s has several longstanding and intense rivalries in its hockey history.
The Future of Saint John’s Hockey
Saint John’s hockey has a rich history and a bright future. With new technologies and innovations in the sport, the future of Saint John’s hockey is looking very promising.
The sport is becoming more popular and is receiving more attention from fans and the media. This will lead to increased funding for the sport and better facilities for players. With the increasing popularity, more players will be interested in joining the team, which will increase competition and improve the overall level of play.
Advances in Technology
- Analytics: Advanced analytics will help coaches make better decisions and create more effective game strategies.
- Virtual Reality: Virtual reality training tools will allow players to improve their skills and learn new techniques without risking injury.
- Smart Equipment: Smart equipment like helmets and pads will help reduce injuries and protect players during gameplay.
Improved Facilities
The Saint John’s hockey team will have access to better facilities and equipment, thanks to increased funding from the school and alumni donations. The improved facilities will provide players with the resources they need to train, practice, and compete at the highest level.
Increased Recruiting
The increased popularity of the sport and the success of the Saint John’s hockey team will attract top-tier talent from all over the world. With the best players on the team, Saint John’s hockey will become a dominant force in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Saint John’s Hockey started?
A: Saint John’s Hockey was started in 1898, making it one of the oldest hockey programs in the United States. The team has a rich history of success and has produced many notable players over the years.
Q: Who founded Saint John’s Hockey?
A: The founder of Saint John’s Hockey is unknown, but the team was started by students at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The program has since grown into a highly respected and competitive college hockey team.
Q: What is the team’s record?
A: Saint John’s Hockey has a long and successful history, with a record of 1,299-793-129 as of the 2021-2022 season. The team has won 14 MIAC regular season championships and 11 MIAC playoff championships, as well as making several appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
Q: What is the team’s home arena?
A: Saint John’s Hockey plays their home games at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, which is located on the campus of Saint Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The arena has a seating capacity of 5,371 and is named in honor of legendary coach Herb Brooks, who coached at St. Cloud State before leading the 1980 US Olympic team to victory.
Q: What is the team’s mascot?
A: The mascot of Saint John’s Hockey is Johnnie the Jayhawk, a blue and white bird that represents the school’s athletic teams. The mascot was introduced in 1951 and has been a beloved symbol of school spirit ever since.
Q: What is the team’s biggest rivalry?
A: Saint John’s Hockey has several intense rivalries, but perhaps their biggest is with the University of St. Thomas. The two teams have a long-standing and highly competitive rivalry, and games between the two schools are always highly anticipated and intense.