Blair loses in second round of playoffs

The Blair Community ice hockey team is not affiliated or sponsored by the Montgomery Blair High School athletic program or Montgomery County Public Schools. The team is an independent group of Blair students.

The Blair Community Ice Hockey team's season came to an end after their lost to the second-seeded Howard 9-4 on Friday, Feb. 18 after Blair advanced to the second-round of the playoffs because Broadneck had to forfeit their earlier win over Blair.

Blair was unable to take advantage of their second-chance, but played admirably against a talented Howard squad. Blair was faced with an onslaught of offense, 54 shots from Howard, and struggled to generate much offense of their own, as they took only 12 shots on goal. However, Blair was able to capitalize on the few opportunities they did have and senior goalkeeper Graham Mathews played well making 45 saves to keep the game from becoming a blowout.

At the end of the first period Blair was only down 3-1 thanks to a goal by senior Neal Vasilak off assists from senior Brad Gee and Marty Viger. However, in the second period Howard would score five goals to put the game out of Blair's reach. Gee would set up Vasilak again for a goal in the second period, but down 8-2 Blair's hopes of a comeback was very slim.

Still, Blair showed heart in the final period as they outscored Howard 2-1. Gee scored two goals only seconds apart in the final minute from assists by Vasilak and senior Nathan Barrymore. Meanwhile, the Blair defense clamped down and allowed only one goal on nine shots.

Playing in what would be their last game with Blair, the seniors led the team. Blair's senior scoring duo of Vasilak and Gee again provided the offensive spark for the team as they combined for all four goals and three assists. Mathews was a stalwart goalkeeper and slowed down the Howard offense. Most of Howard's goals came off crossing passes that found players open in front of the net, giving Mathews little chance to make a save.

Blair's season comes to an end after they reached the playoffs for the first time in team history and even advanced to the second-round, although it was due to a forfeit. The team finished with a winning record after not winning a game last season.