Traditions at Matthews Arena are everywhere in the historic, 115-year-old building. Since 1910, the arena has seen legendary teams pass through its doors, including numerous Beanpot champions, the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins. In March, the structure marked the end of its final season as the home of Northeastern hockey and men’s basketball before it is torn down and replaced by a new multi-purpose facility.
One of the most notable and amicable traditions for the otherwise rowdy DogHouse — the Northeastern student fan section — during Northeastern hockey games at Matthews is the call and response between the DogHouse and the announcer during the games.
At the end of each period, when the announcer says that there is one minute remaining, the DogHouse cheerfully shouts “Thank you” and is answered with a “You’re welcome.”
“I think it’s funny and unique,” said third-year biochemistry major Grace Thompson, a dedicated member of the DogHouse. “It’s a cool way to interact with the actual game in a way that’s not just the players.”
Although the roots of the tradition are unknown, it has been a staple part of attending Northeastern games for years. To Matthews Arena announcer Jefferson Mills, the tradition helps him feel more a part of the game and have a connection with the fans.
“I wish I could interact more with the fans,” Mills said. “I love it because every time I say ‘You’re welcome,’ I actually look at the student section and see the different students [doing] a celebration or they’ll point at me.”
Northeastern’s tradition has gone on to inspire other schools. While working games at Bentley University, Mills saw the chants continue there.
“It’s so funny because when Bentley came to Northeastern years ago, they heard all the [Northeastern] students do that, so Bentley does that now,” Mills said.
For DogHouse leader and third-year data science and economics major Misha Ankudovych, the tradition helps get people interested in the game.
“I never went to a hockey game [until] I went to the first home hockey game my freshman year, and I can count on one hand how many games I’ve missed since then,” Ankudovych said. “My first game, I didn’t know what was going on, [but] I was screaming. It helps people who aren’t sports fans or hockey fans get it. Even if you don’t care about the sport or get it, it can be fun anyway.”
Although this is the last season with games taking place in historic Matthews Arena before the university relocates its teams as it constructs the new multi-purpose athletic facility, there is no doubt that the call and response and other iconic traditions in Northeastern hockey games will carry over into the new arena.
“Things will definitely change, [but] they [always] have over time,” Ankudovych said. “It’s all an information transfer. I still talk to people who led the DogHouse five to 10 years ago, and they give you advice and insight into what they did during their time. As long as we’re able to keep that up, we can keep those communications.”
Whether or not students are fans of hockey, the DogHouse provides a sense of belonging and a way for students to immerse themselves in the Northeastern community.
“Hockey is a good time. If nothing else, give it a chance,” Ankudovych said. “There is a community and fun to be had. I met some of my best friends through the DogHouse, and hockey is an entry point into a larger community where the traditions come from. Be loud and that’s all you need to do.”
