Duluth East boys hockey and tradition are synonymous with each other – in their 76th year, it’s hard to believe that Saturday marked just their second ever alumni hockey game.

“We have the 50th anniversary of the 1975 team that finished consolation champions in Minnesota state high school tournament, and among one of the players is Phil Verchota. People remember him from the miracle on ice fame,” said Bob Nygaard, who is part of the Duluth East boys hockey booster club.

The alumni game marked just the second alumni game in the programs 76 year history – and it’s become the new standard for the Greyhounds on how to mingle their alums.

“We’ve got somebody here that graduated in 1979 playing in the game and we have people from last year’s hockey team,” said Nygaard. “Alumni need to mix with other alumni. That’s the way you build tradition and also with the current Greyhounds. I’m sure some of these alums will meet some of the current Greyhounds as well. So it’s a great way to get that tradition and build that culture, that Greyhound hockey has been around for a long time and been successful for a very long time.”

Between children, parents, grandparents and friends, many packed the stands to watch some hockey. Goalie saves and pucks in deep were besides the point.

“It’s great that the alumni come here and do celebrate it,” concluded Nygaard. “Too often we take things for granted, but you can see from the players and the smiles on their face, they’re having a good time and that’s what it’s all about.”

To top off the day, the current Greyhounds met up with their cross town rivals, Duluth Denfeld, however, they fell to the Hunters 2-1.