Class News

Tony Lee ’64, Sam Callaway ’64, Ward Wickwire ’64 on Yale hockey

March 13, 2022

Tony Lee ’64

Sam Callaway ’64

Ward Wickwire ’64

Tony Lee ’64, Sam Callaway ’64, and Ward Wickwire ’64, all of whom played hockey at Yale, have been following Yale hockey in the 2022 season. It’s been the tale of two different teams and outcomes.

Tony Lee emailed:

The Yale men’s hockey team has suffered one of its worst years ever, finishing tied for 57th place out of 59 Division One teams. The Yale women’s team, however, is doing great. They are in their Frozen Four, playing Ohio State this Friday.

Ward Wickwire replied:

I’m not sure of the actual won/loss record of the men’s hockey team last season. But I thought the ’64 hockey team had the worst record of all time. I would be pleased if we were no longer the worst but sad for Yale hockey. Hopefully, better times next season. Notwithstanding our record, I believe most members of the team would still regard our participation was a great part of the Yale experience.

Pete Putzel, who seems to watch every Yale athletic event on ESPN+ subscription channel, joined in:

I’ve become an avid fan of the women’s hockey team. See you at the Ohio State game on ESPN+ on Friday. Meanwhile, don’t forget the men’s basketball team, which plays Princeton for the Ivy League title on ESPNU at noon. [Yale won in a squeaker, and plays Purdue on March 18 at 2:00pm on TBS.]

Finally, Sam Callaway capped off the exchange with this:

Ward's email pricked my curiosity. He is correct that our team in 1963-1964 was one of the poorest at 4-18-0. But the 1974-1975 team had the worst record at 1-21-1 followed by the next year's team at 4-21-0. I am not sure, but I think those were the Lufkin years. It is not a happy memory to have been so near the bottom, but nothing can erase the fun, excitement, and privilege of competing at that level. I have watched the Yale women for six weeks now and am hooked by their skill, speed, and scrappy play. It is amazing to me how far the women's game has advanced. And hockey without all the unnecessary checking and boarding is a much more open and free-flowing game. GO Bulldogs!!

Class of 1964 (front row): Ward Wickwire (19), Boardman Lloyd (9),
Waldo Johnston (16), Strachan Donnelley (2), Capt. Toby Hubbard (14),
Bruce Warner (4), Sam Crocker (18), Sam Callaway (7)