A championship rally was held at M&T Bank Arena in Hamden to celebrate the Quinnipiac University men's hockey team after winning their first national championship in program history over the weekend.
Hundreds of people came out to show their support.
The school hosted the National Championship Rally for the hockey team with remarks from:
- Quinnipiac University President Judy D. Olian
- Governor Ned Lamont
- Quinnipiac University head coach Rand Pecknold
- Members of the hockey team
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According to the school, the event included interactive elements that allow attendees to relive the Bobcats' run to their first national championship.
The event began at 6 p.m. Fans described the overtime win as amazing and well-deserved.
"I didn't think that I would be at a school that won a national championship let alone in the class the first the school won. So that's a crazy thing to me and I can tell future generations that was my college and we won the national championship while I was there," said junior Avery Simonds.
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“I’m glad you’re all here. This is special. We’re so fortunate. It’s been a ride. It’s been awesome,” Quinnipiac hockey player Zach Metsa said.
Players thanked the crowd for the support and their coach also spoke about what it took to pull off this accomplishment.
“We talk all year long about attacking adversity. It comes in all shapes and sizes, different times whether it’s life or in the middle of a hockey game and I think we did a good job of attacking our adversity,” head coach Rand Pecknold added.
Saturday's national championship win marks the first ever in school history.
