The Unlikeliest of Religions

By: Maura Gladys, Nate March and Michael Polak



If you were to ask people to name some of the most passionate college sports fans in the nation, they would most likely name groups such as the Cameron Crazies of Duke basketball or LSU football fans. Few, however, would name the fans of the Cornell Big Red Hockey team. But Big Red Hockey fans are some of the most passionate and unique in the nation.

Fans pack the 4,200+ seat Lynah Rink every home game and bring an atmosphere unseen anywhere else in college hockey or in college sports as a whole.

“Lynah Rink is the greatest experience ever. There are tons of big red fans. It’s the greatest place in the world. So much spirit here at Cornell,” said Cornell freshman Michael Youngwoth.

The rows of championship banners that hang from Lynah’s ceiling speak to the program’s tradition. The Big Red have won two national championships, and make a trip to the NCAA tournament a yearly tradition.

However, it’s the fan base that give Lynah Rink it’s legendary atmosphere. Fans arrive at the arena long before the puck drops and are ready to cheer from start to finish.

“It’s a great place to come out and support the players, be loud, get a little wild, break a few rules, offend a few people, and have a good time.” Said freshman Matt Roponi.

But the fans don’t stop at just cheering on the Big Red. They target their opponents as well, with cheers designed to get inside their heads, and specifically that of the goalies.

“One of the things I really like is how [the fans] try and get into the goalie’s head. They’re persistent. It’s kind of funny,” said Colin Greening, a junior forward on the Big Red hockey team.

The fans come with chants such as “Sieve!” and “It’s all your fault!” to punish the opposing goalie, and bow down in reverence to Big Red Starting Goaltender Ben Scrivens when he makes a spectacular save.

According to senior forward Tyler Mugford, the electric atmosphere is a huge advantage for the Big Red.

“It’s got to be pretty tough on them, especially when the goalies get it on the opposing teams. For us it’s just a great momentum builder.”

The Big Red are currently unbeaten at home, and according to one Cornell fan, much of that can be attributed to the fans.

“The only reason we win every game is because of the fans. That’s why we don’t lose… We own the goalie,” said Youngwoth. This season, he’s certainly been right!

To get an inside look at Lynah Rink, check out this slide show.