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TAYHA Jr. Engineers - Division 1 Champions
Clifton Park Eagles - Division 2 Champions
Would it be the 4-man shootout TAYHA Jr Engineers win over the Watertown Redwings for their third consecutive Division 1 Playoff Championship with the final and fitting goal by the scoring machine, Drew Bourdeau? Should it be the second game in one day between Clifton Park Eagles and South Windsor Knights with a Division 2 Championship awarded to the former after a tight 2-2 tie earlier in the day? Would it be the unfortunate loss of the Schenectady Chargers due to roster problems despite Coach Manganaro’s best efforts prior to Saturday afternoon’s forfeiture? Would it be the incredible game between Troy Jr River Rats and Baystate/Griffin Sharks on Sunday morning when their destinies had already been determined and yet played with class and integrity for their final round robin game – hats off to Coaches Fraser, Lindgren, and Limoges? Could it be the valiant efforts of the Northern CT Griffins team, backboned by the gymnastic abilities of Goalie JP Podlasek and his defensive core, in only losing by 1 goal in three games and yet was squeezed out of the finals by a gritty S Windsor Knights team by 1 goal? Or was it the generosity of the attendees at the banquet who gave up a total of $1979 from the auction items and raffles – only $21 short of our target of $2000 to feed the scholarships but we have other funds to further the scholarship program for yet another year?
These are all valid reasons to symbolize and memorialize this weekend’s events but to this author, the highlight was when the audience spontaneously erupted into a standing ovation to recognize the courage and personal strength, despite all odds, for Andy Quell, Casey Manganaro, and Coach Geoff Manganaro when they received the Cleary/Beaudry Awards for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. No one could deny that all three are worthy recipients of the award, but that the audience recognized them with a standing ovation – that would not end for several minutes – is not only unprecedented but demonstrates the bonding and sportsmanship that has evolved over the season for each and every one of us. Think back to all of the hockey banquets that you and I have attended. Can you recount a special moment such as that on Saturday night?
We are very proud of each team who participated in this year’s playoffs. The boys played to the best of their abilities, parents were proud of their players and respectful of their opponents, coaches had admiration and respect for each other, and we were blessed with the best officiating I have witnessed ever in the playoffs – thanks largely to the efforts of Bill Dickerson. I personally am most impressed by the dedication of those volunteers who keep the League running. Without any dog in the hunt, they were at the rinks in the early hours until well after sundown, assuring that each game went flawlessly, that the skills competition was fun, and the finals competitive. I am sure all of you have recognized them in one way or another, but if not, send an “attaboy” to them to show your appreciation.
Now to the box scores of the two finals:
Three-peat was actually coined by Pat Riley, Coach of the LA Lakers (yeah, it’s a basketball team where hangnails are a major injury), but he trademarked it and I hope I am not in violation of the trademark. If you now look up “three-peat” in the dictionary, you will find the picture of the TAYHA Jr Engineers as they won a third consecutive D-1 title this year. Coached by Ron Morello for all 3 years, the Engineers were stunned by the Watertown Redwings earlier in the day with a 3-1 loss. Both teams proceeded to the finals, matching the League’s best line (#3 Willie Kasper, #7 Ronnie Morello, and League scoring champion, #5 Drew Bourdeau) against all-star goalie Jimmy Northway. The game exploded into scoring with each team trading off the lead until the final buzzer at 4-4. Then the teams tied after a 5-minute sudden death 4-on-4 overtime, resulting in a 5-man shootout. For reasons only known to Coach Morello and Drew Bourdeau, Bourdeau took the shot in the fourth slot with the score TAYHA 2-0 and after Watertown took its third shot, he skillfully scored and TAYHA won the game, 5-4. As usual, Watertown was the essence of class in their defeat as both teams exemplified sportsmanship throughout and after the game.
The Clifton Park Eagles – South Windsor Knights Division 2 final was a repeat of the early morning match-up which ended in a tie, 2-2. Clifton Park opened the game with a 1-0 start 15 seconds into the game, but the Knights pulled to even with a powerplay goal to end the first period. The Eagles scored two unanswered goals in the second period, to widen their lead 3-1. The Knights responded with a goal to narrow the lead but the Eagles scored 2 goals within 30 seconds and less than a minute following the Knights goal. The game finished with a 5-2 Eagles victory to notch their second Division 2 title in 2 years. Congratulations go out to Coach Moffre and his boys, and Coach Martino and his boys.
See you boys next season. Have a great summer!
Dave
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