Falcons Celebrate Championship Triumph with Ring Ceremony

Fitchburg State University officially commemorated its successful 2024-25 ice hockey season with a championship ring ceremony held on March 2, 2025, in Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. The event celebrated the Falcons’ MASCAC title, culminating a season marked by determination and teamwork.

During the ceremony, Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge expressed her admiration for the players and staff, emphasizing the collective effort that contributed to their success. “It’s your tireless commitment to excellence that has brought such tremendous pride and energy to this campus,” Hodge stated. She acknowledged the support from families, coaches, and training staff, highlighting that the championship belongs to the entire community involved.

The Falcons, who entered the playoffs as the fourth seed, achieved remarkable victories, including a quarterfinal win over No. 5 Worcester State and a thrilling triple-overtime semifinal against No. 3 Salem State. In the championship game, played on their home ice, they secured the title against No. 8 MCLA, effectively ending the latter’s surprising postseason run.

Celebrating Team Achievement

Head coach Dean Fuller reflected on the rollercoaster nature of the season, stating, “I think we started off 7-1 and then lost six in a row. I knew the ship was going to get going in the right direction.” He praised the character and dedication of his players, noting, “Winning’s not easy.”

All members of the championship team, including coaches, trainers, and administrative staff, were honored with rings during the ceremony. Michael Macchioni, a captain on last year’s squad who graduated in the spring, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment. “It’s honestly so surreal to be getting these rings and feeling this love again,” he said. Although sidelined by injury during the playoff run, Macchioni remained a vital source of support for his teammates, particularly for his younger brothers, Max and Marcus, who were also on the team.

Reflecting on his experience, Macchioni noted, “With the injury and everything, I was down, but just getting back to the rink and watching my brothers and teammates, it pushed me to be present.” He highlighted the importance of camaraderie and support in overcoming personal challenges.

Following the presentation of their championship rings, the Falcons gathered for photographs before turning their focus to their next challenge: a game against Babson in Wellesley later that day.

A Memorable Moment

For graduate student and captain Christian Halbig, the memory of scoring the pivotal goal in the semifinals remains vivid. Midway through the third overtime against Salem State, Halbig netted the decisive point, sealing a 4-3 victory. “Honestly, it was surreal. As soon as I saw it hit the net, I was like ‘no way,’” he recalled.

Halbig described the moment as a blend of elation and disbelief, noting, “It’s something I can look back on in 10, 15, 20 years and be really proud of.” The goal was a result of precise teamwork, with Jackson Collins winning the faceoff and Kris Zapata assisting Halbig’s shot, which was effectively screened by Oliver Cookson.

As the Falcons embrace their championship victory, they also recognize the challenges ahead. The celebration of their achievements serves as motivation for their ongoing pursuit of excellence in the current season.