Over the weekend, the Syracuse First Responders hockey game took place under a new name, honoring fallen police officer Michael Jensen.
On April 14, 2024, Jensen and Lieutenant Michael Hoosock of the Onondaga Sheriff’s Office were shot and killed during a traffic stop. Jensen, before entering law enforcement, grew up locally and was a standout player for the Le Moyne Hockey team. As a freshman, he won Rookie of the Year and still remains the all-time leader in points, goals and assists.
Hosted by the Syracuse Crunch at Upstate Medical Arena, the game was renamed to the Michael Jensen Memorial First Responders game.
“With his affinity for hockey, being a member of the hockey community, it’s such a small community. We thought it was a good, natural fit to rename our first responder game in his honor,” said Jim Sarosy, Chief Operating Officer of the Syracuse Crunch. “And that is something we are going to look to continue.”
Syracuse Crunch defenseman Declan Carlile expressed his support for making the memorial game an annual event.
“Jim has talked about how he really wants to build this up and be a thing every year and be a spectacle for this town, and I think it can,” Carlile said. “ Everybody in this city is very close and cares a lot about the community and I think it would be great.”
The Crunch didn’t stop at hosting the game. Ahead of their own matchup against the Laval Rocket, the team held a pregame ceremony at center ice, welcoming the Jensen family and participants from the memorial game to be recognized.
Though the Crunch lost to the Rocket, head coach Joel Bouchard emphasized the importance of the bigger picture.
“It’s something that touched all of us, and we’ve all been close to people when we have traumatic situations,” Bouchard said. “So I think it was nice.”
Portions of the ticket sales from the Crunch game were donated to Law Enforcement United, a non-profit benefiting those wounded in the line of duty.
Chris Shroyer: Each year, an organized hockey game between the Syracuse Police and Fire Departments take place at the Oncenter, but for this year’s rendition on Saturday, there was a much deeper meaning.
Shroyer: One year ago today, Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen was tragically shot and killed during a traffic stop. Before law enforcement, Jensen was a Le Moyne hockey player, and over this past weekend, the Syracuse Crunch honored him through the game he loved most.
Sarosy: With his affinity for hockey, being a member of the hockey community, it’s such a small community. We thought it was a good, natural fit to rename our first responder game in his honor. And this is something that we are going to look to continue.
Shroyer: What once was a game between police and fire, became the Inaugural Officer Michael Jensen memorial first responders game. With every player on the police team wearing his name across their back, it showed the strength and solidarity of the game and brotherhood for years to come.
Carlile: Jim has talked about how he really wants to build this up and be a thing every year and be a spectacle for this town, and I think it can. Everybody in this city is very close and care a lot about the community and I think it would be great.
Shroyer: The Crunch hosted a pregame memorial ceremony, inviting the Jensen family and those who played in the game to center ice. And although the Crunch lost, head coach Joel Bouchard explained that it isn’t just about the game, but the community as well.
Bouchard: It’s something that touched all of us, and we’ve all been close to people when we have traumatic situations happening so I think it was nice.