It was a classic case of sibling rivalry as Smith took on Smith at this year’s Cure Cancer Classic (CCC).
On March 13, CCC hosted the annual Commerce vs. Engineering (Com-Eng) rivalry hockey game at the Slush Puppie Place. Team Engineering proved they were the favourite child, defeating Team Commerce 4-3 in overtime.
CCC set a new fundraising record, bringing in $562,860, which was matched by donors secured by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). The funds will support the Canadian Cancer Trials Group, which conducts cutting-edge clinical trials, and will also aid Dr. Gelareh Zadeh’s Lab in partnership with Brain Canada.
“I love seeing the energy in the building—it’s palpable and an unbelievable experience to be here,” Doug Kane, director of independent fundraising and sports alliances at the CCS, said in an interview with The Journal.
Kane emphasized the profound impact of the CCC, praising the student-led initiative for its dedication. “I don’t think the [CCC Executive Team] knows the profound impact they have on the CCS, and I want them to know this,” Kane said.
The CCC Executive Team is led by Co-Chairs Kate Fitzpatrick, Comm ’25, and Ben Schwartz, Comm ’25. Fitzpatrick and Schwartz have been working together on the CCC Executive Team since they were the first-year representatives in 2021.
With CCC’s popularity at an all-time high, tickets for this year’s game sold out in just a day and a half, breaking a new record for sales.
“I’m so excited to come back in another four years to see how much CCC has continued to grow,” Fitzpatrick said.
This year also marked the end of the Team Eng’s dry spell, taking home a 4-3 overtime victory.
For Matthew Sheehy, Sci ’25, it was a perfect ending to his fourth and final year playing in the CCC. The Team Eng captain couldn’t stop grinning after the win—despite missing half of a front tooth.
“It was nice to get a win in my last year—the $560,000 total was the cooler part,” Sheehy said.
“I played hockey my whole life; playing in the CCC means playing for 5,000 people. It’s nuts, and I can’t even put words to the atmosphere,” he added.
The game started in Commerce’s favour, as they struck first at 7:09, scoring on their very first shot on net. Swiftly scoring their second goal of the night at 1:28, the first period ended 2-0 Team Comm.
Between the first and second period, the Frontenacs faced off Team Timbits, where small skaters zipped around the rink.
Engineering fought back in the second period, scoring their first goal at 14:19, cutting Comm’s lead in half.
The third period was tense as Team Eng fought to even the score. At 11:24, Team Eng scored a goal, tying the game 2-2. Just two minutes later, Team Eng scored again at, giving Eng a one goal lead. Quickly following, Eng students began chanting “recession” at their Smith counterpart.
A “Sweet Caroline” sing-along brought Team Comm their third goal at 1:19, ending the third period at a tie of 3-3.
Overtime was a pure battle of grit and passion between both teams. Team Eng secured victory at 3:42, ending the game off with a final score of 4-3 Team Eng.
“It was a hell of a game—I’m so happy for how much we raised for cancer, and it’s hard to put into words how much CCC has done for cancer research,” Comm captain Ryan Brown, Comm ’25, said in an interview with The Journal.
“I’m proud of the boys, everyone played amazing. These are some of the best teammates I have ever met playing hockey and this year didn’t disappoint.”
Tags
Canadian Cancer Society, CCC, Commerce, cure cancer classic, Engineering
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