For the 2020 edition of the Winter Classic outdoor hockey game, Christian Brothers Academy invited fellow Brother school La Salle Academy of Rhode Island to participate in the annual contest.

On the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the two No. 1-ranked teams clashed on the outdoor rink of Navesink Country Club. Christian Brothers sits as the top team in New Jersey, while La Salle is Rhode Island's number one team.

The game certainly lived up to that billing.

The contest turned into a nail biter in the third period, as CBA scored three goals in the final frame to bring the score to 3-3. Ultimately, La Salle scored with 59 seconds remaining to win the game 4-3.

Senior Kyle Contessa scored two goals, while sophomore Aidan Guinnessey netted the third goal for the Colts.

In a great display of Lasallian brotherhood, the teams set aside their in-game competitiveness to join together for a post-game prayer at center ice.

The two schools have developed a good relationship, despite the fact that they are separated by over 200 miles and three states. Much of that is thanks to the common values and goals that all Lasallian schools share across the country and worldwide.

In fact, the presidents of the two schools - Brother Frank Byrne of CBA and Brother Dennis Malloy of La Salle - have worked closely together during their careers.

Over Christmas break, La Salle invited the Colts to play a contest at Providence College's Dunkin Donuts Center, which coincidentally also ended in a one goal victory for La Salle.

While both teams will return to their regular state schedules for the rest of this season, don't be surprised to see them match-up again in future years.

CBA will resume conference play against a New Jersey foe on Wednesday, as they host Delbarton at Jersey Shore Arena.