The University of Denver’s hockey team, who features Team USA World Junior Championship hero Troy Terry, had an important game against Western Michigan, Friday night.
But preparation for the huge matchup got off to a rocky start when the team arrived to Kalamazoo on Thursday for practice. The team’s morning flight didn’t have enough room for all the gear so the hockey sticks were left behind.
Head Coach Jim Montgomery decided to have practice anyway. It was a site to behold.
Video
No sticks? No problem! The Pios are working on their miming skills at today's practice in Kalamazoo 😎 pic.twitter.com/0HL7rtlPyq
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) January 12, 2017
While the players didn’t have their twigs, they still had their imaginations. Watch as one player flies down the wing holding a pretend hockey stick and rifling a pretend slap shot. The goaltender makes a pretend glove save. Laughter from the players can be heard in the background.
Pitchers & Catchers reporting for duty at Lawson Arena ❌🏒❌ #StickFreePractice2K17 pic.twitter.com/3lLpDDNMOy
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) January 12, 2017
Later one player overhand tossed pucks at the goaltender like it was spring training. “Pitchers and Catchers reporting for duty at Lawson Arena,” wrote the team’s Twitter account.
Thankfully, the next day, the team’s lumber arrived just in time for the game.
Sticks 🏒✅🎉 pic.twitter.com/kmWeZe4rOP
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) January 13, 2017
But the pretend practice didn’t pay dividends. Denver lost 3-0 to Western Michigan and lost their star player to an injury.
At least we’ll always have these videos.
