Kate Oxley | Staff Writer | Koxley@mail.smcvt.edu
On Saturday, Nov. 16, members of the 1998-99 men’s ice hockey team were inducted into the St. Michael’s College Athletic Hall of Fame.
An alumni game was held in the morning, followed by a 2024-25 men’s ice hockey game where the Purple Knights secured a 5-2 victory over Southern New Hampshire University.
After the game, current and former players and coaches attended an induction ceremony, recognizing the first national championship win in St. Michael’s College athletics history.
Alumni game on Saturday, Nov.16.
“I think it’s going to be awesome… between the game recognition and the ceremony back on campus,” said Chris Davidson, ’99, a senior captain on the national championship team.
He shared his excitement about reconnecting with former teammates and coaches after 25 years. He likened it to a family reunion, “I think that was more important than the actual skating.”
His wife, an alumna, and two of their four children, Burke, 14, and Auvi, 10, were in attendance for the alumni game, this was their first time seeing their dad play for the purple and gold.
At 50 years old, Davidson is still on the ice at least three times a week coaching.
Lou DiMasi was the head coach of the ’99 hockey team.
In the stands watching the alumni game, he recalled the exact moment his team won the national championship, “it was great to stand there as they celebrated…it was very special.”
DiMasi served as head coach for the men’s team from 1982 until 2007.
The alumni game ended in hugs, smiles, and laughter as the players came together to show their gratitude towards each other. They gathered at the center of the ice for pictures snapped by spouses, children, former coaches, and spectators.
The lobby was full of supporters as the alumni team headed to the locker room after the game.
“It felt good to be back on the ice,” said alumni Buzz Hoerr a former player for the men’s hockey team at St. Michael’s College who played before the 1998-99 team. “I come back every year, it’s a great group of people. It’s a lot of fun.”
The induction ceremony later in the evening took place in the Dion Family Student Center. Led by Josh Kessler, Chris Kenny, and other staff members, the ceremony honored and congratulated the players of the ’99 team as they were inducted into the St. Michael’s College Athletic Hall of Fame.
“The ceremony was really nice, it was super cool to see all the guys from the ’99 team getting recognition for their national championship win after 25 years,” said Evan Plunkett, ’28, a current player on the St. Michael’s College men’s hockey team. “There are very few people who won their last game, and that’s something that they’ll have forever,” said DiMasi.
Chris Davidson, ’99, his wife, and two children holding the 1999 NCAA Division II Men’s ice hockey championship trophy.