For Fredonia students and fans, it was already an exciting weekend as the hockey team went 2-0 with wins over Plattsburgh and Potsdam. However, things got even more exciting once word started to spread of NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley being in attendance for the games.
Like most people, I was incredibly surprised, even confused when I walked into Steele Hall and saw Barkley. He joined the Fredonia hockey alumni at both games over the weekend for the team's annual Alumni Weekend.
Barkley is friends with Craig Conley, a member of the hockey team from 1991-1995. The two made a connection while working together in the past. The 1992-93 NBA most valuable player enjoyed a night in Fredonia after the game, making stops at Heenan's Irish Pub, Coughlan's Pub, but most notably, Old Main Inn.
Once he got to Old Main, he got on the microphone and gave his thanks to the Fredonia people for a warm welcome. He closed his speech by announcing that he was going to play five songs and while those songs were on, all drinks at the bar were free. Yours truly appreciated it.
Barkley is very vocal about his love for hockey and was treated to two great games by the Blue Devils. On Friday, the team won 2-0 against Plattsburgh. This marks the first win against the Cardinals since February 2020. Plattsburgh has also been a hockey powerhouse in the SUNYAC, being in both of the past two conference championships, winning in 2022-2023.
Freshman Riley See opened up scoring in the first period making it 1-0. Fredonia native Luke Morris then scored an empty net goal with under 20 seconds to go, securing a 2-0 victory. Charles-Anthony Barbeau finished with a 32-save shutout.
On Saturday, Fredonia made it back-to-back with a 2-0 win over Potsdam. Morris made it two straight games with a goal as he opened the scoring in the second period. Gavin Bloder then scored 13-seconds later making it a 2-0 game in the blink of an eye. Charles-Anthony Barbeau had another 32-save shutout in the win for the Blue Devils.
Charles is welcome back anytime!
