Neuqua Valley’s varsity hockey team hosted senior night Jan. 27, 2019, to honor the seniors, including varsity all stars Tim Guagliardo, Jack Blanchard, and Dean Dudzik. However, this night took an unexpected turn. During the second period of the game, with the Wildcats leading 2-0, Waubonsie left wing varsity hockey player Zachary Pearce took a hit that ended up breaking his knee. Matthew McDonnell, Neuqua Valley varsity defence hockey player, explained that, “[ team captain] Tim Guagliardo, went down to get the puck away from Pearce, and that is when he hit him. Pearce hit his knee and didn’t get back up.” He said “A few moments, later the coaches and trainer went out there to get him up, and then they brought him into the locker room. He did not come back to the game.”

   However, this was not the only shock of the night.. “About two minutes of playing time later, Dean Dudzik [Neuqua Valley senior varsity hockey player] went on a breakaway, when a Waubonsie defenseman caught up to him, never stopping or turning away. That is when they ran into Waubonsie’s  goalie, Elliot Villeneuve,” McDonnell continued. “ Dudzik attempted to jump over Villeneuve, hitting his helmet off, leaving Villeneuve to smack his head on the ice.” Villeneuve remained prone on the ice until he was assisted off to get treated.

  McDonnell explained that both he and the audience were shocked “This is the first time I have played a game that has been delayed like that.”

  Both  these accidents and the time used for the senior night events caused the game to extend past the allotted time.The game was consequently delayed until that following Monday, Jan. 28, 2019. Waubonsie’s hockey team took the lead the next day winning with a final score of 3-2.