Family, Friends, Tradition: The Clydesdales Dominate Hockey in the Hudson Valley
It’s 10 p.m. on a Tuesday night at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center as the team dressed in Kelly green takes to the ice.
Most Hudson Valley residents would rather be at home curled up in front of their cozy fireplaces or televisions, but for the members of the Clydesdales there is no place they’d rather be.
The Clydesdales are a dominant hockey team in the Mid-Hudson Adult Hockey League played in Poughkeepsie. This recreational league has been held captive to their superior talent over the last five years.
The story of these “beer league” gladiators began in 2013 when teammates of the former Cooper Coolers wanted to create a new team. That is when former Marine Matt Robinson joined upon his return from service.
“This new team lacked the identity of a common team name and wore a mix of different jerseys to games,” Robinson said. “I organized and collected $25 or so from every player and came up with the jerseys. We all like Budweiser, and I chose the Kelly green color to stand out against the competition. Chris Cerbino came up with the name, and a franchise was born.”
The Clydesdales are a family affair for Robinson who plays with his father Jim and sister Jennie. Jennie, who played Division I ice hockey for Sacred Heart University, is one of the more talented players on the team.
Robinson is not the only player with family ties, the Cerbino brothers, Chris and Corey, are also two of the leading scorers for the Clydesdales.
All of this on-ice chemistry has led to lots of success. The team plays in three seasons (Fall, Spring and Summer) and has amassed twelve championships during their five year timeframe. Their glory can be seen on the walls of the Civic Center.
However, the success enjoyed by the team would not be possible without the leadership from goaltender Kevin Ahern. Ahern organizes the teams financials, deals with the schedule and signs-up the oft defending champions every season. In addition to all of that he also “is a stud in net” according to two year forward Anthony Farrar.
Ultimately what drives the Clydesdales is their passion for the game of hockey. “They are a charismatic group of hard working hockey players, who go out there every week and put their best foot forward and represent themselves and the Clydesdale name well,” said Janie Pierson, a long time fan. The spirit of the game which was instilled in them as children never leaves and every Tuesday night that childlike excitement comes back. Even if it is just for a few hours.
