The final game of the intercollegiate (Kanto region) ice hockey tournament at the Suntory Ice Arena, Higashifushimi on 29 April

The final game, the skating link was unusually filled with feverish excitement, and there were some spectators watched from the gallery. Maybe this enthusiasm is caused partly by a TV drama related to ice hockey. Our opponent was Hosei University that had defeated Meiji University, the champion last year, at the semifinal. It was rumored that Waseda would be a winner.

Scarcely had three minutes passed when Waseda scored 2 points without a break, Hosei had to take a time out. Although Hosei soon gained 1 point, Waseda won a point again in 10 seconds after the second period started. Then Waseda got a point and left our opponent behind. As this time of point (4 to 1) we expected our team's victory. But Hosei staged a comeback when Waseda was off guard. Hosei gained 3 points with counterattacks and persevering plays in front of the goal, and then tied the score at the moment. Waseda team had a time out and braced themselves.

The issue hung on this point. Waseda strengthened the defense, defeated individual players and seized limited chances. On the other hand, Hosei stepped up the offensive, and tried to roll back the tide. This deference of tactics appeared soon as a result. The defense of Hosei attacked actively, and consequently their weakness of defense became obvious. The Waseda team perceived it, came under fierce attack and waited for a chance of counteroffensive. Finally, a chance had come. Looking through the weak defense, Waseda quickly shot a goal and hit the puck on the rebound. Waseda scored 2 points in a row and left Hosei behind again. Second period ended in 6 to 4. Then, Waseda added 2 points for hat trick by the ace, Masahito Nishiwaki (School of Social Sciences, Senior) and sank Hosei in the end. Waseda took the crown seven times in six years. The skating link was covered with joy and the singing of our alma mater.

Ice hockey is not very popular sports but the popularity is undoubtedly rising. It is expected that more people will enjoy fine plays of ice hockey, and understand how interesting it is.