Thank you, Sophie Prell! Thank you for finally shining the torchlight of truth on the darkness that is No-Shave November. There’s no sense to it. It was seemingly invented out of whole cloth, possibly as an excuse for laziness in the doldrums before Thanksgiving Break. Or perhaps it was all dreamed up one day when someone’s razor broke and Target was just too far away. Yes, you are right in admonishing No-Shave November, with its lack of history or purpose.

Besides, everyone knows that the time you’re supposed to grow your beard out is during the NHL Playoffs! The playoff beard is steeped in tradition, from its origins with the Islanders to its spread throughout every level of hockey and on to other sports. The playoff beard is a symbol of friendship and teamwork and a celebration of success.

So join Sophie and me this April in celebrating the playoff beard. Unless you hate friendship and teamwork.

Matt Hawkins

Graduate Student

Aerospace Engineering