“In spite of all rivalries and hatreds it is the closest brotherhood there is.” – OneLook
I was at last night’s WHS–Cranford game, which Westfield won 8–1, and it honestly bummed me out a little. Ten years ago, when I first started following WHS hockey, the rivalry with Cranford was one of the best in the state. When these two teams played, the rinks were packed—mostly with students from both schools—chanting and screaming at each other nonstop for 48 minutes, usually trading insults.
On the ice, the players wanted that game more than any other, which ratcheted up the intensity. The games were always close, hard-fought battles, with each team winning its fair share. For those 48 minutes, friends on opposite sides hated each other. When it was over, we were friends again, walking out of the rink laughing together.
I’m not sure why, but over the past decade Cranford hasn’t been able to consistently field teams that can compete with Westfield. Last night, the rink was mostly empty—no students, just parents. The last time Cranford beat Westfield was during the 2016–17 season. They managed a tie in 2017–18, but since then they are 0–9. I
Over that stretch, Westfield has outscored Cranford by a combined score of 51–18, winning every game by three or more goals except one during the 2023–24 season, which ended in a 3–2 win. That level of dominance has caused many fans to lose interest. It’s no longer an “event” when these teams play—it’s just another game. It was much more fun back then, and I miss it.
That said, the rivalry and the feelings are still there. You can see it on the ice whenever they play each other. I’ll share a quick anecdote that shows just how deep—and still very real—the rivalry remains. Last year, when Jackson got called up to play for the Titans NAHL team, I ran into the team’s play-by-play announcer in the lobby before a game. Zach, who’s from Cranford, said to me, “Congrats on Jax getting called up. It’s great for me too—I love it when I get the chance to make fun of Westfield during a game.” I laughed and, of course, replied, “I love that.” …LOL
Hockey—like all sports—is simply more fun when there’s a true rivalry, especially at the high school level. I really miss those games.
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