Here is what is absolutely right and pure about athletics at the high school level: friendships.

These good-looking guys have been playing hockey with or against each other for most of their lives.

That is the brotherhood that is hockey. Wearing skates as soon as you can walk, ice time at all hours, and miles and miles between tournaments.

Thomas Fazio - #14 in the program and number #1 in your heart - has been playing hockey with Andy Keith, the poor chap in the middle wearing the wrong color WNS sweater, since they were 6. And Adam Connolly, on the right also wearing the best looking hockey duds in Wisconsin, has been with 'em or against 'em most of the way too.

You wouldn't know but this picture was taken minutes after a hard-fought game.

No matter, the joy on their faces tells you all you need to know about a life-long connection to the game they love - and the bond they have with each other.

As Mr. Keith said in the bottom of his email to Mr. Fazio, "Hope to see these guys on the ice together again - preferably on the same team."

I hope so, too.