A BAND OF BROTHERS
Fifty years ago, the Curry College men's ice hockey team laced up for their inaugural season.
For five decades, the team has been a place of growth, commitment, and pride. Starting from humble beginnings in 1974 to national rankings and NCAA appearances, one thing has remained unchanged—the legacy of the connections built along the way.
This anniversary celebrates those bonds and camaraderie that has kept the team together after graduation, and the undeniable reality that friendship is just as valuable as any championship.
1978-79 - "THE CAUSE"
While the Colonels celebrated many achievements over the past five decades, not all games were victories, and not all years went unchallenged. During the 1978-79 season, the Colonels faced unsettling rumors that the program would be dropped at the end of their year due to financial struggles within the institution. It became their goal to save Curry College hockey, which they did, with the program's most successful season.
"We named that goal 'The Cause.' and we put those words on our helmet.”
"solidaridty is a word i would use to describe our program at that time, and comraderie is one i'd use to describe our time after curry. Forty-Five years later we're still in communication with each other every single week. We share in each other's victories and we mourn with each other in our sorrows. True brotherhood."
-Mark Mollica '82
"My favorite memory from Curry is playing on that '78-'79 squad. That season was a turning point for Curry hockey.”
"Our captain Bob Balletto told us, 'If we don't have a good season, this program is in jeopardy.'”
"We all pulled together and played our hardest for each other. it was an unbelievable season and camaraderie between brothers to save the program."
-Matt McDonnell '80
1981-82
Bill Stewart takes over as Head Coach for the Colonels, and posts a 114-42-5 record through six seasons.
"What makes a great coach? players make a great coach. the players I had at curry made me a better person."
1983-84
The Colonels become official members of NCAA Division III.
1985-86
ECAC North Champions
1987
Robert Hutchinson '80 becomes the first men's ice hockey member inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
2003-04
First NCAA Tournament Appearance
2009-10
ECAC Northeast Champions, NCAA Quarterfinals
2010-11
ECAC Northeast Champions, NCAA First Round
2016
Colonels join the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), now known as the Conference of New England (CNE).
2019-20
Colonels call Canton Ice House their new home
2022-23
Colonels rank fifth in the nation, a program-high that was matched in 2024.
March 11, 2023
First NCAA Tournament WIN; 1-0 (OT) vs. Bowdoin under Head Coach Pete Roundy
April 13, 2023
The Washington Capitals sign senior Curry senior Reid Cooper to an amateur tryout agreement to serve as their backup goalie against the New Jersey Devils.
March 16, 2024
Colonels participate in the second-longest game in NCAA hockey history (135 minutes and 17 seconds) during the National Tournament Quarterfinal against #1 Hobart in Geneva, N.Y. First-year goaltender Shane Soderwall ties the Division III men's save record with 98 saves.
"I love watching the team compete in the NCAA Tournament. it's such a huge accomplishment."
"I watched the game vs. Hobart, and watching our goalie make nearly 100 saves was phenomenal. You get a sense of pride, like 'hey, I went there, I helped build that program, and look where it is now.'"
-David Griffin '89
June 14, 2024
Former player and assistant coach Ryan Warsofsky '11 is named Head Coach for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.
2024-25
Curry College celebrates 50 years of men's ice hockey
"My hope for the future of Curry hockey is that the staff and players continue to love each other and continue to keep getting better. That they continue to honor former players, former coaches, and others that have paved the way and built the foundation." -TJ Manastersky, Head Coach, 2012-2021