▲ A photograph took in the middle of the game. Photographed by Maeng Jun Ho.

Korea University (KU) tied with Yonsei by 3-3 in Ice Hockey at the 2016 Annual Ko-Yon Game, held in Mokdong Ice Rink, on September 23, 5:00 P.M. Though the team did not bring a sweet victory to KU, the result of even score is significant in that KU was traditionally considered to be weak in ice hockey, and they lost in the previous year by 3-4 (Korea- Yonsei).

For the first ten minutes of the game, there were no significant moves among the players, except Seo Young Joon (’14, Physical Education, DF), known to be a skilled offensive defender, dashed and released a shot by 3 minutes after the game began. Lee Yeon Seung (’14, Physical Education, GK) did a decent job of guarding the goal post. However, the game became more fierce, as Kim Hyeong Kyeom (’13, Yonsei, LW) offered the first score of the game to his team. In reaction to the attack of Yonsei, Hwang Doo Hyun (’13, Physical Education, FW), the captain of KU, scored successfully, bringing the game to a tie. Yet, another score made by a Yonsei player, Kim Sang Won (’14, Yonsei, CF), aggravated the players of both sides. The captains of both teams, Hwang Doo Hyeon and Kim Geon Woo (’13, Yonsei, LD) received two-minute penalties, and the game ended as 1-2, a score fallen behind from Yonsei.

On the second period, the players of both teams exchanged the pucks consistently, but maintained the score of 1-2. Many players, such as Hwang Ye Heon (’13, Physical Education, FW) or Kim Young Joon (’13, Physical Education), took a shoot at the goal post, but failed to earn a score. Choi Jeong Yeon (’15, Yonsei, LD) was penalized for two minutes for injuring Lee Hyeok Jin (’16, Physical Education, FW), who also showed swift movements at the beginning of the second period. Overall, KU strengthened its capabilities of attacking and defensing.

20 seconds after the third period began, Hwang Ye Heon, a strong forward of KU, scored an equalizer, lifting the spirits of his teammates. Cho Ji Hyeon (’15, Yonsei, LW)’s immediate counterattack made KU players in confusion. However, Kim Min Cheol (’14, Physical Education, FW)’s goal brought game to a tie again, which became the final outcome of 3-3 in today’s game.

The players of KU showed a notable growth both in team work and individual plays. Lee Yeon Seung, the goal keeper, contributed significantly to the satisfying result of draw, as he saved most of the shots made by Yonsei in the second and third period, redeeming the last year’s mistakes.

As KU won the baseball and tied with Yonsei in basketball, the first day of 2016 Annual Ko-Yon Game ended with a record of 1 win and 2 ties. On Saturday, the second day of the game, soccer and rugby will be held Mokdong Main Stadium.