The De Smet Jesuit community has many popular sporting events,  but the hockey team consistently draws crowds of spectators and participants.

The Hockey Program’s popularity can, in part, be attributed to its storied history. The team has won 14 championships beginning in 1972 and is the leading program in mid states hockey for championships. The most recent championship came in 2010, led by star player David Goodwin, who went on to the next level of play.

Players such as Charlie Combs and Trent Fredric have recently made the jump to junior hockey. Charlie Combs plays in the USHL for the Amarillo Bulls, and Fredric now plays for the U17 national team. The team still has offensive powerhouse Jeff Makowski who can change the game with a toe drag and a wicked snap of the wrist.

Despite its status as a club sport, the teams is embraced by the De Smet community. “Well hockey is the most rowdy, most fun sport to attend,” senior co-head of the Hockey Club, Pat Barrett said.

The attendance even for preseason games outmatches that of many schools.

The experience of watching a hockey game is intense and personal. Fans can be close to the players, within five feet of the glass, screaming as their favorite players pass by.

The players pick up the sounds pretty easily in the open rinks, so they are aware of what is said about them. Whether it is a tough guy chant, or a brick wall waterfall, the fans make their voices heard.

Team merchandise sells quickly and is a visable way to support the team. The Hockey Club sold over 800 hoodies on the first day of sales. Students and community members purchased the hoodies to rally around the hockey team. 

However, hockey is more than just fundraisers and cheering crowds. “Hockey is important to De Smet Jesuit because it unifies the school,” senior defenseman Tom Amato said. 

One event is immediately recalled from last year, the White-Out game in honor of Spartan Adrian Bowman. The crowd at the White-Out game  against Chaminade rivaled that at the state championship. That game was a lasting memory for many students as well as the players.