The Ice Knights from SUNY Geneseo have been playing for a national championship and have been winning game after game this season. Their drive comes from a force like no other. Earlier this year on January 17th, right before the spring semester began, tragedy struck. Teammate and friend Matthew Hutchinson was a victim in a double-murder suicide at just 24 years old along with Kelsey Annese, a 21 year old senior at Geneseo and captain for the women's basketball team.

Two lives taken way too soon left a small but close-knit community in shock and disbelief. The community grieved together and grew even closer to one another. Matthew was a senior and starting defenseman for the hockey team. Not only was Hutchinson a student and hockey player, but he was also a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He was seen as an inspirational leader to many, both on and off the ice.

The Geneseo Ice Knights have honored their teammate and friend by working hard during practices and games. Community members and students showed their love and support by cheering on the Ice Knights at their home games. The team's hard work and dedication has paid off as they have won all but two games since the tragedy.

On Friday March 25th, Geneseo faced Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 4 p.m. Unfortunately, the Knights lost 5-1 and this loss brought an end to their season. Although this isn't how Geneseo wanted the season end, the Ice Knights had an incredible run this year and played with such incredible passion and dedication. The Geneseo community is proud to be home to the 2016 SUNYAC Champions and hopes to see another amazing season next year.