On Dec. 7, the boys varsity hockey team defeated Taft School in the 13th annual Lucille D’Arco Memorial Cup, otherwise known as the Pink Out game.
It was a fast-paced and fierce showdown, with Berkshire winning by a score of 2-1. The Bears kept the Rhinos to a single goal thanks in large part to great netminding from Jed Baliotti ’21. Aidan Thompson ’20 notched both goals for the Bears.
“I think we played our most complete game to date, with outstanding efforts all around,” said Coach Dan Driscoll. “This game has become a huge event for us. The school spirit, the cause, and the bragging rights that come along with a win help propel us into the season.”
The Pink Out game is played each December in memory of Lucille D'Arco, the mother of Brad D'Arco, a former Berkshire faculty member and boys hockey coach, and 1999 Taft alumnus. As big supporters of both Berkshire and Taft athletics, the D’Arcos introduced many young players to the game of hockey. The D’Arco Cup is played each year to commemorate the family’s involvement and love for both schools. This year, Berkshire raised over $1,000 from t-shirt sales which will be directed to Moments House, an organization located in Dalton, Mass. that supports individuals and families in Berkshire County who have been impacted by cancer.
The victorious Bears with the D'Arco family
A heated and heartfelt rivalry since the first match-up in 2007, the Bears have won the game 9 times in 13 contests. Berkshire students get decked out in pink, while Taft wears white, and each group floods the home team’s arena with literal busloads full of fired-up fans.
“Participating in this tradition helps connect current players and alums, as all look to this game as a defining moment of their Berkshire careers.”