2002
The Voice: Spring 2002
The Blades take on Western Canada
By Jim Hummel ('89)
From January 10 to 12, Dordt alumni gathered in Edmonton, Alberta, from as
far away as Terrace and Abbotsford, British Columbia, and Hague, Saskatchewan, to play
in a seven-game tournament with the touring Dordt Blades and The King’s University
College Eagles.
The thirty-two alumni were able to form two teams—an 80s alumni team and
a 70s and 90s team. The tournament featured many interesting match ups, including
Cecil Van Niejenhuis (’77) on the 70s and 90s team versus his brother
Herm Van Niejenhuis (’71) the current Blades' coach and son Nate, a current
Dordt Blade. The competition also featured Frank Vande Kraats(’85) on the 80s team
versus Frank’s nephews, Josh Vande Kraats (’01) on the 70s and 90s team
and Jordan Vande Kraats, a King’s Eagle. Frank was also joined by brother-in-law
Elco Vander Grift (’81) on the 80s team.
The teams were extremely competitive with three ties and two one-goal games. One
of the most dramatic events occurred during a game between the Dordt Blades
and the Dordt 80s alumni. Blade’s coach Herm Van Niejenhuis pulled goalie Matt
Tinsley to try to break the tie as Dordt needed a win to
have a chance to qualify for the final game. With an empty net,
the 80s team failed to score on a break- out play. The Blades
stormed back, and, with one second to play, a point shot by Bryan
Woudstra managed to find the net. Despite the win, Dordt failed to make
the final.
The final featured the Dordt 70s and 90s alumni versus the King’s University
College Eagles. The alumni team won 9-3 to take first place in the
tournament. They were led in scoring by Mike Wildeboer (’94) with three goals
and Izzy Huygen (’98) with two goals.
To end the weekend, alumni, the Blades, friends, and future Blades gathered after
the final game for a dinner and awards ceremony. The event was an
opportunity to meet other Dordt alumni and to reminisce about Dordt days. Some
even dug out old, somewhat tighter Dordt Blade’s sweaters and Doc’s Café T-shirts.
The event was organized by Franklin Guillaume (’01), Jim Hummel (’89), and Brian
Vanderveen (ex’83).
