Ryerson’s first school spirit day ended on a booming note at Thursday’s men’s hockey game between the Ryerson Rams and the Guelph Gryphons at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
The Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) held Blue and Gold Day in support of the game to encourage school pride around campus.
The Rams won big, defeating the Gryphons 6-1 in front of 2,156 fans– an impressive turnout for any on-campus sporting event.
The building was filled with enthusiastic students – many of whom were holding signs and drinking $3 beers that were sold as a part of student night. During the second intermission, Rajean Hoilett and Danielle Brogan of the RSU hyped up the crowd, thanked students for their support and announced an after-party at the Ram in the Rye.
Greg Lister, an engineering student at Ryerson, said he was blown away by the amount of school spirit he saw in the stands. “There was a huge turnout. It was just a fantastic game, the school spirit and the game were incredible. It was just a great time.”
Lister believes the new athletic centre is encouraging students to get more involved in school sporting events.
“The facilities help with [school spirit]. Being in the old Maple Leaf Gardens adds excitement to the hockey games. You’re really able to get behind your team,” he says.
Ryerson students also had the chance to show their spirit before the hockey game by attending the RSU’s pep rally in the Pitman quad. It was complete with banners, signs and face painting stations to ignite those loud Ryerson cheers.
“I love the idea of a Ryerson Rams pep rally and having all sorts of students come out, dress up and cheer together for the amazing athletes we have here at Ryerson University,” says RSU board member Hilary Taylor. “I feel like sporty school spirit is something Ryerson has been missing in the past.”
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IN PICTURES: Ryerson Rams vs. Guelph Gryphons hockey game
Sarah graduated from the Ryerson School of Journalism in 2014.