MONROE - Although the team didn't pull out a win, the support was strong during the Monroe Blues first home game Nov. 3.
The team, fans and spectators filled SLICE to honor Joe Wyss, a Monroe High School student and hockey player who was killed in an automobile crash in February.
The local adult league played the Marquette Mutineers.
Playing for the Blues on the ice that evening was Wyss's brother, Alex Landen, who wore some of his brother's gear for the game, saying it made him feel like he was playing through him.
"Throughout tonight's game I felt numerous emotions," Landen said. "Playing at SLICE brings back so many memories with Joe. Hockey was a huge part of our lives growing up, so it can be tough to step on the ice at times."
The support of the evening was obvious, and the building was packed to show just how much the local hockey player, who was known to always be smiling, was missed. At the start of the game, Wyss's parents, grandparents and brother were at center ice for the honorary puck drop, bearing two plaques he earned last season.
The unforgettable game wasn't a complete loss. The community then enjoyed the Rock Rebel Junction band after the game, to raise money.
"I know Joe would want me to tough it out and keep playing so that's what keeps me going," Landen said.
The Avalanche High School co-op team will have their season opener Nov. 28 and the game will also be dedicated to Wyss.
- Charley Fortney is a Monroe High School
freshman in Megan Dilley's M-book class.
The team, fans and spectators filled SLICE to honor Joe Wyss, a Monroe High School student and hockey player who was killed in an automobile crash in February.
The local adult league played the Marquette Mutineers.
Playing for the Blues on the ice that evening was Wyss's brother, Alex Landen, who wore some of his brother's gear for the game, saying it made him feel like he was playing through him.
"Throughout tonight's game I felt numerous emotions," Landen said. "Playing at SLICE brings back so many memories with Joe. Hockey was a huge part of our lives growing up, so it can be tough to step on the ice at times."
The support of the evening was obvious, and the building was packed to show just how much the local hockey player, who was known to always be smiling, was missed. At the start of the game, Wyss's parents, grandparents and brother were at center ice for the honorary puck drop, bearing two plaques he earned last season.
The unforgettable game wasn't a complete loss. The community then enjoyed the Rock Rebel Junction band after the game, to raise money.
"I know Joe would want me to tough it out and keep playing so that's what keeps me going," Landen said.
The Avalanche High School co-op team will have their season opener Nov. 28 and the game will also be dedicated to Wyss.
- Charley Fortney is a Monroe High School
freshman in Megan Dilley's M-book class.
