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A winter classic tradition at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

In an effort to raise money for the Sean Hanna Foundation, the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) hockey team, the Bitewings, took on the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) Medwings in a charity hockey game at the Prudential Center AmeriHealth Pavilion, Newark, on February 21, 2014.

With the aid of sponsors, and organization by student doctors Michael Kaufer (NJMS senior), Joe Ippolito (NJMS sophomore), Brad Craigen and Judson Dacher-Shapiro (RSDM seniors), the Winter Classic Hockey Game is now a Rutgers tradition for the second straight year.

The goal of the first ever Winter Classic in 2013 involved raising money for victims of Hurricane Sandy through “Restore the Shore” campaign. It turned out to be a huge success raising $7,425.  This year however, the support was even more tremendous. A total of $14,500 was raised to provide support services to families battling cancer. This exceeded a shared goal of raising $12,500 for the cause.

Soon following the ceremonial puck drop, all attention was turned to the game. Both teams fought hard on the ice, with the Medwings capitalizing on the Bitewings’ weak defense, scoring four goals in the first half. Following intermission, the Bitewings fought back by converting three straight goals in just under two minutes. All in all it was a great experience that brought out the shared sportsmanship and competitiveness of both teams.

“It’s great to see so much support” said Martin Rabinovich, a junior at RSDM and member of the Bitewings.  “From having Dr. Pamela Alberto (faculty member from the department of oral maxillofacial surgery) as our head coach, to playing along side alumni who generously donated their time, to seeing my fellow classmates going out of their ways to make t-shirts and signs with Bitewing players’ names… I am amazed at just how we were all able to bond over hockey,” Martin added.

~ Xue S. Zhao, Rutgers ’16, chapter editor

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Xue Zhao

Xue is a second-year dental student at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM). She also serves as Rutger's ASDA chapter editor.

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