Dentistry duel: U of T and Western duke it out for Ontario hockey championship

By Rachel Boutet

First-year periodontics grad student Luke Nogalo had no mercy when he played his alma mater Western University at this year’s Ontario Dental Association Cup.

Before the game, Nogalo quipped, “As much as I loved my experience leading the Western Mighty Dents, I’m a fully converted member of the U of T team now and will do whatever it takes to take the guys in purple down.”

The U of T Dental Hockey Club (DHC) hosted the Western Mighty Dents at the 2025 Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Cup, and despite playing their hearts out, were defeated with a score of 4-2. Nogalo notes another change being on the other team this time around as he plays alongside former DHC captain Braedan Prete 2T2, a third-year periodontics resident.

“Now, not only are Braedan and I co-residents in the perio program, but we are teammates on the DHC,” says Nogalo. “An awesome full circle moment for us. He’s also extremely relieved to be passing me the puck instead of being burned wide by me on the wing!”

This traditional hockey game dates back to 2008, representing the positive relationships and collegiality of the dental community in Ontario, where dentists, students, sponsors and volunteers join together with a unified purpose – to raise funds for two causes: the CAMH Dental Clinic in Toronto and the Wright Clinic in London. The ODA generously sponsors this face-off each year.

“The ODA is always happy to support this annual event,” says Maneesh Jain, president of the ODA. “Not only does it support our students and two very important charities, it’s fun to watch a little school rivalry on the ice!”

This year, the U of T team was led by captain Rajbir Sidhu, class of 2024, who grew up playing hockey.

“I had heard about the DHC team while applying to school, specifically the charity hockey game against Western to raise funds that help provide dental treatment for marginalized populations,” he says. “I saw joining the team as a great opportunity to continue playing the sport I love and also be part of a great cause.”

As part of the DDS program, Sidhu completed a CAMH rotation under the supervision of assistant professor, teaching stream, Joel Rosenbloom, who is also director of student life and the team’s head coach. Rosenbloom spends one day a week as a staff dentist at CAMH.

“Working with Dr. Rosenbloom as a coach has been a great experience – he always puts the team first and will do anything to help the team succeed,” says Sidhu. “Whether that is recruiting new players onto the team or promoting the ODA Cup every week during pre-clinical sessions. Most importantly, he makes everyone on the team feel welcomed and creates an inclusive environment for all the players.”

With their heavy workload, both Sidhu and Nogalo say they all lean on each other to balance both hockey and school.

“Because everyone else on the team is in dentistry, we like to think that we’re “studying” when we all get together to play – so its actually quite productive for our schooling,” says Nogalo.

Sidhu adds that previous players have given helpful advice on how to achieve a balance, including trying to do as much work throughout the week so he’s able to go to the games and not feel stressed.

No amount of work could prevent either player from the opportunity to make some of the best memories of their time at U of T.

“Playing in the ODA Cup again was the pinnacle of my hockey career,” says Nogalo. “Some of my best memories and relationships from dental school were made because of the hockey team and I can tell the same will be said for my periodontics residency.”

Top photo: Members of the DHC (Henry Chen)