The spectators were being shoved back so as to leave the space free that was absolutely necessary for the playing of the winter game.
"It's the same old seven, not a break!" shouted a voice, as the Clifford players took their allotted places facing the enemy's goal.
And as the rival teams faced each other those who looked on saw that the line-up was as follows:
| Clifford. | Columbia. | |
| McQuirk | Goal | West |
| Hastings | Point | Shadduck |
| Gentle | Cover Point | Comfort |
| Coots | Center | Allen |
| Adkins | Rover | Wallace |
| Style | Left Wing | Bird |
| Wentworth | Right Wing | Shay |
As substitute Clifford had Hollingsworth first, while Columbia passed up Oakes.
All was as still as death while the two teams faced each other, and the chosen referee addressed a few general directions to the players concerning certain rules that had been changed somewhat from last season.
"Now, get busy, fellows!" chirped a high-pitched voice from the hillside, and which clarion call created a ripple of amusement, destined however to be quickly stilled.
"Play!" came in the referee's commanding tones.
Instantly all was commotion. Every fellow seemed to start up as if on springs, and it was indeed a pretty sight to see all those colored jerseys beginning to flit hither and thither over the ice, each young athlete ready to exert himself to the limit in order to accomplish the task falling to his hand.
Hockey sticks circled through the air, or were held in readiness for a stroke, as those whose hands gripped the same darted down toward the inoffensive puck, with hostile intent.