KATONAH, N.Y. - Evarts Rink was buzzing from start to finish on Jan. 10, as The Harvey School hockey alumni faced off against an all-star roster of New York Rangers Alumni in a fast-paced, highly skilled exhibition. It was an unforgettable showdown that combined elite hockey, community pride, and a shared commitment to renovating and preserving Harvey’s Evarts Memorial Ice Rink, one of Northern Westchester’s most cherished landmarks. The marquee matchup served as a fundraiser to support renovations to the rink facility, and by every measure, the afternoon exceeded expectations.
The event was made possible by Harvey’s Director of Hockey Programs & Outreach, former NHL player Colton Orr, who leveraged his background and connections to assemble an impressive roster of New York Rangers alumni to compete against Harvey School hockey alumni. The result was a truly star-studded lineup that drew a packed house and delivered an authentic big-game atmosphere.
The Rangers Alumni playing alongside Coach Orr included Adam Graves, Chris Kotsopoulos, Stéphane Matteau, Brian Mullen, Boo Nieves, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Marc Staal - each player generously donated their time as well as their game-worn, signed jerseys, which were auctioned to further support the fundraising effort.
Proceeds from the event will go toward critical rink upgrades, including realignment of the boards, fresh ice lines, locker room renovations, and other enhancements aimed at improving the overall experience of both fans and players.
“This event could not have gone any better,” said Greg János ’98, Harvey’s Director of Alumni Relations. “Putting together something special for our Harvey hockey alumni and ensuring our New York Rangers Alumni felt welcomed and at home was incredibly important.”
Game-day sponsors included Body Armor, Howie’s Hockey, Kanin, Old Town Barns, Wah Gwaan, and Wandering Dave’s.
Coach Orr described Saturday as “a truly special day at Harvey. It wasn’t just about raising funds to renovate the rink, but also about celebrating community. You could feel the buzz - kids were chasing autographs, and parents were reliving their childhoods as legends like Graves, Matteau, and Mullen glided across the ice.”
The hockey game itself lived up to the moment. The evening opened with a stirring performance of both the United States and Canadian national anthems performed by members of the Harvey School Chorus. Once the puck dropped, the action was immediate and intense.
The Harvey Alumni opened the scoring and carried a 2–1 lead into the first intermission after Rangers legend Adam Graves rifled a blistering shot off the post and into the net. Cavaliers goaltender Mark Siegel, Class of 2015, later answered with a highlight-reel save, robbing former Ranger Marc Staal on a breakaway to keep the game within reach.
The second half featured a back-and-forth battle marked by physical play and elite skill from the retired, but still very much game-ready, NHL alumni. Late in the period, János, skating for the Harvey alums, delivered on the ice, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal by snapping a quick backhand off a faceoff.
With the Harvey alumni leading 6-5, the drama peaked in the closing minutes as the Rangers pulled their goalie for a six-on-five advantage, and even briefly snuck in a seventh skater to the delight of the crowd. Despite the chaos, Siegel stood firm. A loose puck kicked off the boards to János, who pushed it ahead to Brandon Hickey ’12 who then buried the empty-net goal to seal the 7-5 victory for the Cavaliers.
Beyond the final score, the night was defined by camaraderie and connection. Players skated with visible joy as they shared the ice with their hockey heroes. Autographs, photos, interviews, and stories filled the rink long after the final horn. The Rangers alumni were gracious, approachable, and genuinely impressed by the character and style of the historic rink, embracing the community with enthusiasm throughout the day.
While Evarts Rink is home to the Harvey Cavaliers, its reach extends far beyond the school. The facility serves figure skaters, local youth hockey programs, men’s leagues, learn-to-skate initiatives, and open skates for the broader community. That shared history is what made the day so meaningful.
“Harvey Hockey and Evarts Rink have such a storied history. As we continue to build this program, we’re committed to honoring that legacy while giving the next generation of players a place that inspires pride and passion,” Orr stated.
The game was fast, a little physical, and entertaining. The cause was meaningful. And in the end, while the Cavaliers alumni earned the win on the scoreboard, Evarts Rink, and the entire community it serves, was the true winner of the night.
For more information about Evarts Rink please email, advancement@harveyschool.org
Article courtesy of The Harvey School.
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