Barrington High School varsity ice hockey will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month. 

The Eagles first took the ice five decades ago, although it was a bit of a challenge getting the team started. Longtime Barrington resident Buster Clegg recalls getting up at a town meeting around 1970 to make the case for forming a high school hockey team. He was booed — too expensive, officials said. 

But it did not take long for Barrington officials and residents to come around, after all, Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins was at the height of his popularity and kids all around New England were playing hockey.

The inaugural BHS team in 1972-73, featuring many players who learned the game on the ponds of Barrington rather than by playing youth hockey, went straight to the top. The Eagles won the Suburban Division state championship by sweeping North Smithfield in a two-game final series.

The Eagles have added several more championships over the years.

To celebrate all the teams and players who have proudly represented the school since then, former players are planning a reunion. There will be an alumni game at the Cranston Veterans Memorial rink on Friday. Nov. 24, from 12 to 1 p.m. The game will be followed by “Fifty Years of Eagles Hockey: A celebration" at 2 p.m. at the German American Club, 27 Kelly St., Warren.

The event will be catered by Spaghetti Lane and there will be a cash bar. Cost is $25 at the door.

Varsity players from 1973 on as well as anyone who played for the Barrington Hockey Club, the forerunner to the varsity team, are invited.

To RSVP for the reunion, email: markandrews4818@gmail.com