Sigma Chi, Phi Sigma Phi win Sigma Freeze, to compete in finals Saturday
Members of Kappa Sigma and Phi Sigma Phi fight for the puck during the Sigma Freeze hockey game on Feb. 16 at Isabella County Events Arena.
Kappa Sigma and Phi Sigma Phi were the first teams to compete during the highly anticipated Greek event -- Sigma Freeze.
Parents and members of Greek Life could be seen in the stands cheering for their favorite fraternity during the Sigma Freeze event which took place Feb. 16 in the Isabella County Events Arena.
Sigma Freeze is an annual event that consists of fraternities competing in hockey games, as well as sororities participating in a broom-ball tournament. This year is the first time hockey is hosted in a tournament style, with two games on Friday and a final game on Saturday. Broom-ball will take place on Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. at Finch Fieldhouse.
The event originated four years ago, originally consisting of one hockey game between Sigma Chi and Sigma Pi. Since then, Sigma Chi with the help of other Greek organizations has expanded to multiple events.
During the event, participants could pay to enter a 50/50 raffle as well as pay $2 to "chuck-a-puck." According to the President of Sigma Chi, White Lake senior Michael Maher, jersey and ticket sales make up a majority of profits earned despite the raffle and purchase of a puck.
"They'll make up to 60-70 percent of donations," Maher said.
Maher said the events are expected to raise between $15,000 and $17,000.
Pinconning junior Matt Albrecht said the event has helped him grow professionally as well as bring him closer to his brothers of Sigma Chi.
"Everyone can contribute, and it's for an amazing cause" Albrecht said.
All proceeds will go towards the Huntsman Institute for Cancer Research, a cause close to the members of Sigma Chi. The founder of the institute, John Huntsman, was an alumnus of the fraternity who recently passed.
"It's heavy on all of our hearts right now" said Albrecht.
Albrecht said because of the donations given by events such as Sigma Freeze, cancer research has developed significantly. Nine types of cancer can now be detected by blood work, Albrecht said.
"Sigma Chi has been doing this for years, so it's cool to think that you know, maybe we got to play a part in helping us get to this point," he added.
Berkley junior Shayne Dooley was the head coach for Sigma Chi and said he was looking forward to "getting back on the winning track and beating Sigma Pi this week."
The bleachers were beyond full capacity as the game started, with a majority rooting for Phi Sigma Phi during the first game.
Clinton Township freshman Liam Brengman played for Phi Sigma Phi's team and said "he was ready for the first drop of the puck." Brengman is a former hockey player himself, and was most looking forward to winning above anything.
Phi Sigma Phi players used nicknames on the back of their jerseys, spanning from things such as "sourin" and "greaser." Other fraternities were seen using last names on the back of their jerseys.
Phi Sigma Phi swept away Kappa Sigma in the first game, which ended in an 8-1 score.
As Sigma Chi took the lead during the second game, fans on the stands could be seen reciting songs such as "Sweet Caroline" and common college football games chants.
In the end, Sigma Chi dominated the ice, leaving Sigma Pi out of finals with a 5-1 score.
Both Sigma Chi and Phi Sigma Phi will compete during Sigma Freeze finals at Mount Pleasant Ice Arena at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17.
