Davis Rosborough

During the winter, after curfew on Thursday nights, the faculty hockey league comes to life. In the afternoon, Math Teacher Marc Dancer '79, the faculty hockey czar, sends out a phone message, "Hey, hey, hey! Faculty blades tonight in the Deerfield hockey pavilion. Be there!" At ten p.m. faculty and staff put away their classroom work and gather from all sides of campus to lace up their skates.

Mr. Dancer started Faculty Blades in 1990. Most of the time they play Deerfield alumni against the non-Deerfield alumni. One competitive member of the alumni team is "the hustler from Canada," Athletic Director Jim Lindsay '70, said Sophomore Dean Jamie Kapteyn '79. Although one of the most renowned coaches in prep school hockey history, Mr. Lindsay is said to spend the most time in the penalty box.

Other accomplished players include Greenfield hockey star, Athletic Trainer Robert "Digger" Graves and the tough Science Teacher Toby Emerson. Math Teacher and former All-New England Goalie Sean Keller '86 is known for his swift stick work and tenacious defense. Dean of Academics Stephen Murray, English Teacher Peter Nilsson, History Teacher Chip Davis, and Assistant to the Athletic Director Tim McCabe are all regulars.

On average, twelve players show up each Thursday night. Newcomers, Math Teacher Gillian Kneass and Science Teacher Christie Garcia have joined the league and are enjoying the experience. Also, new to the game and new to the league is Science Teacher Brian Bollinger from Field II.

Mr. Kapteyn, known for his skills on the ice when he was a student, is one of the leading scorers. According to Math Teacher Jason Keefer, Mr. Kapteyn "is the second best skater behind Mr. Graves."

"My line is definitely leading the goal scoring with Emerson and Graves," Mr. McCabe said. "We are reminiscent of the Cam Neely, Adam Oates, and Joe Juneau line for the Bruins back in the mid 90's," he reflected. Mr. McCabe also stated that Mr. Keefer was known for his "stick-handling," which is more hacking than anything else.

The departure last June of Admissions Officer Mark Scialabba was a big loss to the group. Apparently one of the highlights from a game last year was a devastating hit delivered by Mr. Scialabba on Mr. Emerson. When asked about this memorable moment, Mr. Emerson said, "If I recall, Scialabba got the worst of the hit. I knocked him to the ice."

Mr. Keefer noted that another good memory was "watching Emerson and Graves try to prove that they could get past Creagh. It did not happen."

The competitive spirit always runs high amongst the players, but the best part about it is that "It's a good way for teachers to come together in a fairly relaxed atmosphere and get to know each other," said Mr. Keefer.

"Mr. Dancer is the one who deserves all the credit," Mr. Emerson remarked. However, his incentive to organize this league may stretch beyond having a good time. Mr. Dancer hinted that all this practice is really for the faculty-senior hockey game that might take place in March. Seniors, beware!