After returning to the ice for the 2021-22 season, the club sports men’s ice hockey team is skating to victory in a record season. This weekend the team takes on Long Beach State University on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5:50 p.m. at the Skating Edge Ice Arena in Harbor City for their annual Christmas teddy bear toss game.
The 28-person team kicked off the season with the first game of the Century Cup, where they defeated USC, 14-2, in September. Led by captain Austin Billings ’22 and assistant captain Ryan Hirai ’22, the LMU’s club sports men’s ice hockey team leads the coveted Century Cup battle 1-0, with the chance to win the Century Cup in February in the next meeting between these two teams.
The Century Cup is a yearly best-of-three series between LMU and USC. The trophy was named the Century Cup because of the long tenure of hockey in Los Angeles and the games between LMU and USC go as far back as 1930. The Century Cup has been played for between LMU and USC since 2011 with LMU winning seven out of 10 times.
In September, the team headed to Boise, Idaho, for a showcase event, the first in the program’s history, playing three perennial regional teams within 36 hours. Each of the team’s three games ended in overtime, with LMU winning the first and third games and remaining unbeaten in regulation. In October, the group headed to Flagstaff, Arizona, for two games against Northern Arizona University. In the first game, Riley Watters ’25 scored his first collegiate goal. In the second game, Ryan Hirai ’22 was able to tip the puck past the NAU defender, skate it the length of the ice, and score from the left wing with only three seconds left to win the game for the Lions. Graduate student Jason Footlick picked up both wins and moved into first place in all-time wins in team history, with 26.
In the most recent game, the team took first place in the West Coast Hockey Conference with an 11-1 victory over CSU Fullerton. While the Lions had a commanding advantage, including holding Fullerton off the shot counter until mid-way through the second period, the game remained close through 40 minutes of play. Steven Fitzer ’25 got the win in his first start as a Lion.
For team captain Austin Billings, the most memorable game has been the first game in the Boise showcase. “We were playing a top-five team in the region, Weber State University, and haven’t ever beaten them in program history,” shared Billings. “We were 100 percent the underdogs, and we were losing most of the game. We tied the game with five seconds left in the third period, pushed the game to overtime, and won. This game not only set the tone for the season but showed that we are a team that does not give up.”
Being part of the team has made Billings’ student experience at LMU by spending most of his time outside the classroom with his teammates on and off the ice. “When I came to LMU, I instantly had 28 good friends that have developed into best friends over the years,” said Billings. “The club sports ice hockey team has allowed him the ability to keep playing a sport he grew up playing and still loves, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by such great guys. Beyond playing ice hockey, Billings is also involved with Sigma Chi and YoungLife.
Every year, LMU ice hockey dedicates one game to raising money and collecting teddy bears. This weekend, fans can join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5:50 p.m. as the team takes on LBSU at the Skating Edge Ice Arena for the annual Christmas Teddy Bear Toss game. Fans can bring teddy bears and stuffed animals to toss onto the ice, and the team will donate them to the Richstone Family Center. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse. During the holidays, they collect donations of toys to give out to these children to feel loved and supported.
Come cheer on the Lions during their home games at The Skating Edge Ice Arena in Harbor City, California. Fans can also support the team by purchasing merchandise from the team’s website. For more information on upcoming games or follow the team website, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.