Over 2000 Fans come out for Frozen Flashback!

Frozen Flashback 2000 Fans Saturday!

The 1989 State final between 24-2-1 St. Joseph and 24-3-2 Delbarton was going to be an epic clash that would change the way people looked at North Jersey hockey.

The days leading up to the game brought feelings of anxiety and anticipation. And, for a few students at Delbarton, they also brought the measles.

The game was canceled and forever became "The Greatest Game Never Played."

At 2 p.m. today, 21 years after the original game was canceled, the long overdue game they are calling "The Frozen Flashback" will be played at Mennen Arena in Morris Township.

"This is an incredible privilege and a miracle," said Kevin Mahoney, a former Delbarton forward.

A 20th anniversary story sparked the idea for St. Joseph’s Scott Williams and Delbarton’s James Olson, who started rallying the troops. A year later, the game will be played for charity instead of a State title. The turnout will be strong. Nearly all of the players from the ’89 teams are playing. Some will be coming long distance. Mahoney is flying in from California and teammate Rich Falcone is making the trip from Texas.

Fans can expect a real hockey game. The players, even though they’re in their late 30s, can still compete at a high level. The two teams were the best in the state in 1989. St. Joseph’s Ken Blum and Delbarton’s Derek Maguire were drafted by the NHL.

Delbarton beat the Green Knights in a 1987 State semifinal game. A year later, St. Joseph exacted its revenge by beating Delbarton in the semis and later lost in the State championship game.

"This is a chance for a little redemption," said George Weiner, a Woodcliff Lake native and St. Joseph alum.

Most of the players participate in men’s hockey leagues and all of them have been using the last few months to get in playing shape.

"Some of the guys are better than they were in high school," St. Joseph’s Tommy Davey said.

These guys aren’t playing this game to settle an old score, though. The drama that preceded these two teams was immense, but it’s different now.

"This is the furthest thing from a grudge match," Delbarton’s Brian Lonergan said.

Ultimately, the charity aspect of the game is what makes it special. A child from the Valerie Fund, which supports health care services for children with cancer and blood disorders, will be dropping the puck and 14 others will have front-row seats for the action.

Williams set up a charity called Jam for Janice, named after his mother who’s been fighting cancer. Attendees can donate directly to Jam for Janice, the Valerie Fund or the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer.

"There’s not a person whose eyes haven’t lit up when I’ve told them the story of this game," said Delbarton’s Mike Pendy, who grew up idolizing the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team. "Everyone’s participation means much more than a trophy."

Fans also will be able to bid on items such as autographed jerseys, hats and pucks. Players from the Rangers and Devils will be in attendance as well.

The 1989 State final between 24-2-1 St. Joseph and 24-3-2 Delbarton was going to be an epic clash that would change the way people looked at North Jersey hockey.

The days leading up to the game brought feelings of anxiety and anticipation. And, for a few students at Delbarton, they also brought the measles.

The game was canceled and forever became "The Greatest Game Never Played."

At 2 p.m. today, 21 years after the original game was canceled, the long overdue game they are calling "The Frozen Flashback" will be played at Mennen Arena in Morris Township.

"This is an incredible privilege and a miracle," said Kevin Mahoney, a former Delbarton forward.

A 20th anniversary story sparked the idea for St. Joseph’s Scott Williams and Delbarton’s James Olson, who started rallying the troops. A year later, the game will be played for charity instead of a State title. The turnout will be strong. Nearly all of the players from the ’89 teams are playing. Some will be coming long distance. Mahoney is flying in from California and teammate Rich Falcone is making the trip from Texas.

Fans can expect a real hockey game. The players, even though they’re in their late 30s, can still compete at a high level. The two teams were the best in the state in 1989. St. Joseph’s Ken Blum and Delbarton’s Derek Maguire were drafted by the NHL.

Delbarton beat the Green Knights in a 1987 State semifinal game. A year later, St. Joseph exacted its revenge by beating Delbarton in the semis and later lost in the State championship game.

"This is a chance for a little redemption," said George Weiner, a Woodcliff Lake native and St. Joseph alum.

Most of the players participate in men’s hockey leagues and all of them have been using the last few months to get in playing shape.

"Some of the guys are better than they were in high school," St. Joseph’s Tommy Davey said.

These guys aren’t playing this game to settle an old score, though. The drama that preceded these two teams was immense, but it’s different now.

"This is the furthest thing from a grudge match," Delbarton’s Brian Lonergan said.

Ultimately, the charity aspect of the game is what makes it special. A child from the Valerie Fund, which supports health care services for children with cancer and blood disorders, will be dropping the puck and 14 others will have front-row seats for the action.

Williams set up a charity called Jam for Janice, named after his mother who’s been fighting cancer. Attendees can donate directly to Jam for Janice, the Valerie Fund or the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer.

"There’s not a person whose eyes haven’t lit up when I’ve told them the story of this game," said Delbarton’s Mike Pendy, who grew up idolizing the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team. "Everyone’s participation means much more than a trophy."

Fans also will be able to bid on items such as autographed jerseys, hats and pucks. Players from the Rangers and Devils will be in attendance as well.