Women’s hockey players, who took part in last year’s Saranac Lake High School hockey alumni game pose at the Saranac Lake Civic Center. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — Holiday traditions come in many forms: celebrations with family and friends, and for Saranac Lake High School hockey alumni, lacing up their skates for the annual hockey games on December 26. The Saranac Lake Civic Center will once again host the beloved alumni matchups, continuing a long-standing local tradition for former Saranac Lake High School players.

This year’s girls alumni game will take place at 2 p.m., followed by the boys game at 3:30 p.m.

All former Saranac Lake High School hockey players are invited to participate. Registration is $20 per player, and participants are asked to pre-register through the civic center’s website.

“Alumni players from a variety of years participate every year,” Saranac Lake High School Principal Josh Dann said. “It’s a great tradition that has been around since I was a kid. Players enjoy coming back and sharing stories about the good ole days playing high school hockey for Saranac Lake. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet alumni from other years, and just have a great time on the ice.”

Dann, a 1996 SLHS graduate and former hockey player, is also the Vice President of the civic center board. He has also taken part in the alumni game for more than 26 consecutive years. As in past years, current SLHS hockey players are expected to volunteer as referees, timekeepers, and scorekeepers.

The alumni games balance competition with camaraderie, giving returning players a chance to reunite, reminisce and enjoy friendly rivalries on the ice.

“The alumni game is one of those events that really showcases the heart and athleticism of Saranac Lake,” said Tyler Ellithorpe, a 2005 SLHS graduate, former hockey athlete and current civic center board member. “Seeing everyone old and young come back together — laughing, competing, catching up — reminds me how strong and connected the alumni community truly is.”

Admission is free for spectators, and community members are encouraged to attend, cheer on the returning athletes and enjoy the festive atmosphere.