3824 Len Pitura (RMC ’57) 

There is no doubt that playing against West Point for four years was a highlight in my hockey years at RMC-54-57. The tension, the US college rules, and the hype were most memorable.

As for unusual incidents I guess the most significant was the game when the first penalty was called.  Someone was going to be seriously hurt because of the extreme emotions on both sides.  Several other events come to mind: 

• after being lucky to score the goal in a 3-2 win at West Point I could not believe the cadets that turned out on arrival at RMC [and somewhere I have a picture of being carried off on the shoulders of some cadets!]

• one of our team-mates had a very attractive date at West Point who turned out to be a secretary in Eddy Fisher’s NBC office.  When asked what she knew about Canada she replied "is that somewhere between Toronto and Montreal!"  Nothing has changed.

• billeted at West Point was a wonderful time; suddenly awakened at 6:00am with a drum corps outside your window; listening to the "plebes" respond to a time check at breakfast was hilarious; watching the Pointers doing punishment drill while listening to their radio earphones was an eye opener

• playing against a defence pair that included an "all American-Chester Chesnaukis"--our fear was getting between him and the boards; fortunately he could only skate effectively in a straight line! He later was drafted by the Argos but military service interfered.

Great times and memories.  Good luck in your efforts. 

3824 Len Pitura (RMC ’57)

7036 Peter Needra (RMC ’66)

My graduating class is '66, so I played in the West Point game in '65 at West Point and '66 at home.  We lost the first game 6-0 but won at home 8-3.  We had a much better team in '65 but much more spirit in '66.  Maybe we were just luckier in '66. 

My main memory after all these years has faded.  It was pretty exciting stuff all around!  I think that my main memory is of Danny our coach both in '65 and '66.  The game seemed much more important to him than to us.  Reflecting back, he had a sense of history, while for us it was another game, albeit, one that was important.  To me, it was added pressure, disappointment when we did not respond the first time, and that much more meaningful when we did.  

Danny tried to bring out the best in us.  We did not always understand. 

7036 Peter Needra