Royal Military College Paladins - West Point Weekend

West Point Weekend

The West Point series originated when the commandant of RMC, Sir Archibald McDonnell and the superintendent of the United States Military Academy (West Point), Brigadier General Douglas MacArthur, suggested a game of hockey between the two schools in 1921. After two years of exchanging ideas the first game was played on February 23, 1923 at West Point. The Redmen won that first game 3-0 and a New York paper stated "Army was beaten at hockey today by Royal Military College of Kingston, Ontario. The Canadian cadets excelled the Army men all the way, displaying the best all around form seen here in years. Hamilton and the Carr- Harris’s were the outstanding stars of the Canadian team. This game was one of the cleanest fought contests staged here this winter and was marked by a fine display of sportsmanship on both sides." In commemorate of the game, RMC donated the "Challenge Trophy."

In 1924 the series moved to Kingston thus beginning the tradition of rotating venues. This was Army's first away game and up until 1941 the West Point Game was the only time that Army played away from the Academy.

From 1923-1935 RMC ran up a record of 14-0-1. The only blemish being a 4-4 tie in 1935. 1939 saw Army win its first game 3-1. As a result of WWII only one game was played, at 3-1 Army win in 1942, over the next 10 years.

In the 50's and 60's Army won 15 of 20 games bringing the series close with RMC holding a 21-18-1 advantage. Throughout the 70's and 80's the teams played fairly closely. In 1986 the record stood at 26-25-4 in favour of RMC.

Over the last 15 years Army has dominated going unbeaten from 1988-1999. RMC last won in 2002 by a score of 3-0 and Army won in 2004 3-2.

The 2003 game featured a 4-0 Army win at West Point. RMC was shut out for the first time since 1996 while being short handed 12 times during the game.

The 2006 game was a 3-3 tie in front of 3100 fans in Kingston. Currently Army leads the Series 39-29-7.

The 2007 edition of the rivalry was to take place on Saturday 10 Feb, at Tate Arena in West Point, New York, but was cancelled due to regular season scheduling conflicts.

For 2008 the teams will not play a competitive game but instead the Paladins will travel to New York to spend 3 days practicing, playing and socializing with the West Point cadets.

This series, conceived in 1923, is the longest-running annual international sporting event in the world.