Like thousands of other Cornellians, I spent the night of Saturday, November 28th in Madison Square Garden. I wasn’t at a concert, I wasn’t at a Rangers or Knicks game; I was at “Red Hot Hockey,” watching the Cornell men’s ice hockey team take on Boston University. In an exciting game that ultimately ended in a tie in overtime (though BU won the rivalry trophy in the shootout), Cornell students and alumni alike enjoyed cheering on our fantastic team. However, throughout the game, I realized that I was at a bit of a loss when it came to some of the cheers and songs. I of course recognized many of them from the games I’ve been to at Lynah Rink, but I didn’t know all of them, and began to wish I had some sort of guide to the many exciting aspects of attending a Cornell hockey game.
So, here it is: 9 cheers you should know to truly be Lynah Faithful.
1. Boooorrriiiiinnggg
Tip: don’t forget to bring some newspaper. The Faithful always chant “boooriiing” and rattle newspapers as the opposing team’s lineup is introduced, and then crumple up the newspapers and throw them onto the ice as Cornell’s lineup is introduced (but don’t throw anything onto the ice at away games).
2. Let’s Go Red!
Alright, this one might seem a little boring, but it’s a handy way to get the fans loud if the cheering has died down, and it’s a good way to let the players know they’re doing a great job.
3. Cowbell
I’ve personally only ever heard this at one of the MSG games, but it's one of the more historic and interesting cheers. This one has a long history, which can be found (and heard!) here.
4. It’s All Your Fault
You’ll hear this one directed at the opposing goalie after Big Red scores, sometimes with the added jab that he’s a “Sieve.”
5. See ya!
One of my personal favorites, this one is used when a player from the opposing team is heading to the penalty box, and is usually followed by “Let’s Go Red!”
6. Safety school
This one is pretty straightforward: everyone chants “safety school” over and over, which tends to be fairly amusing (and distracting to the opposing team).
7. Gary Glitter
This one is always heard toward the end of the 2nd intermission. The band starts playing the familiar music, and then you’ll twice chant with the other Faithful, “We’re gonna beat the hell outta you! Rough ‘em up! Rough ‘em up! Go CU!”
8. Fish for Harvard
This isn’t quite a cheer, but it nonetheless deserves a spot on this list. A strange tradition started long ago in 1973 by a Harvard student who threw chicken at the Cornell goalie, and weeks later when Harvard played in Ithaca the Lynah Faithful responded by throwing fish at the Harvard team. It has now become common to throw fish onto the ice at games against Harvard.
9. Alma Mater
If you don’t already know the words to this one do you really go to Cornell?
So there you go! Hope you’re ready to join the Lynah Faithful and support the best team in college hockey. Go Big Red!
(Shout out to http://www.elynah.com/?cheers for providing an awesome comprehensive list of all cheers you may hear from the Faithful! Check out that link for more cheers.)
