The Spartans collaborated with Johnson High School at the Feb. 15 game in support of a two-year-old girl, Sawyer, in the Johnson community who is suffering from T-cell leukemia. Fans packed the cold arena bringing money for donations for the final game of the regular season. The energy was high from both teams, as this game was a good match-up. The Spartans played Johnson last on Jan. 28, which the Spartans ended up winning 5-4. Players wore customized jerseys for this game that were created to raise money and support for Sawyer. The jerseys had a big orange ribbon front and center which represented leukemia cancer. Spartan jerseys were yellow and orange, with each player’s last name and number on the back in navy.

Many Johnson parents gathered in support to help gain donations when walking into the rink. Two tables were set up with bidding for the special jerseys, with a minimum bid starting at fifty dollars. In the middle of the table, there was also an open donation box and an option to Venmo the family. Another way for people to donate was Chuck-a-Puck, where fans purchased five-dollar hockey pucks with numbers on them to throw onto the ice, attempting to get the puck as close as possible to the center of the ice to win a prize. This happened in between the second and third periods. They also held a 50/50 raffle which is a type of fundraising event where participants buy tickets, and the total money collected is split evenly: 50% goes to the winning ticket holder, and 50% goes to the Sawyer Strong program, which all goes to her family.

Gallery • 15 Photos

Audrey Peltier

FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM. As both teams play their final game of the regular season coaches share some last words before going into overtime.

At the beginning of the game, a captain from each team skated center ice to meet Sawyer and her mom who did a ceremonial puck drop. This act rallied both teams to come together and show support and community.

Within ten minutes of the first period, Peter Hoppe from the Spartans scored the game’s first goal. He was assisted by Preston Karelitz and Jack DeHaven. Shortly after, the Johnson Governors tied up the game, making the score 1-1.

Assisted by two of SPA’s 12th graders, Liam Huddleston and Ethan Peltier to make the score 2-1, Brady Glenn from the Spartans managed to score another goal.

Just before the first period ended, the Governors received a penalty for interference, giving the Spartans a chance to go up on a powerplay. Ethan Peltier scored with just 9 seconds left in the first, making the score 3-1, and he was assisted by Peter Hoppe and Liam Huddleston.

During the thrilling second period, the Spartans and Governors were neck and neck. The Governors were able to sneak in two goals, tying up the score 3-3 by the end of the second period. Both teams continued to put up a tough fight for the puck.

Moving into the third period, fans had warmed up at the concession stand with hot cocoa and bags of popcorn. The tension and excitement heightened near the end of the game. Starting off quickly the Governors scored a goal within the first 3 minutes, leading the score 3-4. Not long after, The Spartans scored off another power play. Peter Hoppe tied up the game 4-4, assisted by SPA players, senior Ethan Peltier and sophomore Adem Rivers. Approaching the end of the third period, the teams were evenly matched in possession, ending the period with a score of 4-4.

Although the rink air was frigid and biting, making every breath hang in the air like smoke, the player’s and fan’s energy remained high. Players gathered around on the bench as coaches spoke some final words of wisdom before closing out the regular season in an overtime game.

As the game went into eight minutes of overtime, both teams pushed their limits to fight for every inch of ice. Both teams shared equal control of the puck until there was a minute and twenty-four seconds left on the clock when the Governors gained the puck on a breakaway making it a 1v1 versus the Spartans goalie. In the final play of the match, the Governors scored, and they won the game 5-4.

Spartan’s first section game is at Aldrich Arena on Feb. 19, and they will play Simley.