Yost Ice Arena is home to the 4th ranked
men’s ice hockey team in the nation and the most lively
sports atmosphere on campus. Yost is known across campus and
throughout the nation for its enthusiastic and occasionally
offensive chants. Earlier this year Sports Illustrated on Campus
recognized Yost as home to one of the best atmospheres in all of
college sports.

While the raucous chants at Yost are one of the defining
features of the arena, recently there have been efforts to quell
the vulgar language in the chants, specifically the
“C-ya” chant. On Nov. 6 the Detroit Free Press ran a
piece criticizing the chant for its offensive nature and calling
for the omission of the profane words from the “C-ya”
chant. The article also made reference to the University’s
efforts to stop the student section from swearing so often. Hockey
coach Red Berenson has asked students to lighten up on the
obscenities. These attempts to pressure students to end the chants
are misplaced and would drain much of the joy from one of the
greatest experiences in all of athletics.

Hockey games are an outlet for students to unwind on the
weekends and take a break from the stress caused by the
ever-present academic pressures. On a high-profile campus with so
much diversity and academic integrity it is important that one be
respectful at almost all times. But athletic competitions, and more
specifically hockey games, are the sole forums where students can
throw some of their manners out of the window and unite in the
support of their team, and occasionally their dislike of the other
team. The hockey chants, whether perceived to be offensive or not,
are an important part of the team’s success. They help to
create an atmosphere of energy and excitement that is fun for both
players and fans alike. The chants are an integral part of the
Michigan hockey experience, an experience that all University
students should have the opportunity to enjoy at least once.

At a University that is regularly criticized for the apathy of
its spectators it is nonsensical to criticize the most enthusiastic
of the spectators. In an era where fans at West Virginia celebrate
a football victory over a top 10 opponent by lighting couches on
fire, a few swear words in one chant at a hockey game is hardly a
concern. Let’s also remember that our friends at Michigan
State have rioted when their basketball team won the national
championship, lost in the Final Four and did not make it to the
Final Four. Students at Yost should be allowed to chant whatever
they want, as it creates a rousing and unique environment for
athletes and patrons.