HOLIDAY HOCKEY: Eskymos Hold Alumni Games

Click the thumbnails to see photos and videos, and to hear from Eskymo Varsity Hockey Coach Andy Johnson, who organized the event.

ESCANABA---About three dozen Escanaba High School hockey players from years gone by came home on Saturday to compete in a pair of alumni games at the Wells Sports Complex.

The guys (and one gal) were broken down into White and Black teams, with one game being for the "old timers" and the other being for the "young bucks".

Both games were competitive, with the "old timers" game being 7-6 until an empty-netter made the final score 8-6, and then the "young bucks" played to a 6-3 final score in what turned out to be a fun afternoon of hockey that allowed former Eskymos to reconnect and talk about old times.

"It's just good to have everyone come home, get everyone together, and play some Eskymo hockey," said Escanaba Varsity Head Coach Andy Johnson, who organizes this event every year. "It's good for the alumni to come back and support the program. It just keeps the momentum going for the Blue Line Club and the support of the (Eskymo) team, year after year after year."

Johnson was happy with the turnout for the games, with many guys who are busy with holiday plans taking out time to spend a few hours at the rink.

"We had like 30-some players in the young bucks game, and we had a lot more than I thought for the old-timer's game," Johnson said. "Like 25-30 for the old-timer game. So, it was a good turnout. The old saying here is 'Once an Eskymo, Always an Eskymo' and it was great to see everyone come out tonight."

Johnson says he plans to organize another alumni day around the holidays in 2024.