A free form poem (?) in relation to the writing of Syracuse University Men's Hockey history by Peter Hayward (Team Historian)
True History
True history is messy
It is made up of, eh, thrives upon
contradictory memories and voices.
Together these multitude of perceptions
Provide us a clear(er) understanding of
the murky complexity of our history.
And so, it is with this rather specific history
Of the Syracuse University Men’s Hockey program
With its expanse over two centuries, multi-generations,
Some represented by members of the same family,
There are differences of perspective and viewpoint
Concerning the evolution of the program –
The players, coaches, university administrators, rival opponents
And, yes, the strategies that were or should be employed during a game
Or the further development of the team.
Yet, despite all the different sets of lenses each of us brings to “our” history-
As player, coach, team leader, student staffer, administrator and/or parent –
We are united by our camaraderie and our passion for hockey and the SUMA
And our communal shared history that is always evolving, growing and moving forward.
Peter Hayward (Team Historian, 2 June 2026)
