Playoffs loss marks the end of the season

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.

Feb. 15, Wheaton Indoor Ice Rink-

The Blair Community Ice Hockey team's successful season came to a disappointing end as they lost to Broadneck 8-5 in the first round of the state playoffs. This was Blair's first playoff appearance in team history.

Blair was unable to hold onto an early lead, as they were hurt by penalties and unable to convert on scoring opportunities. However, the team did finish with a 6-4 record, a huge improvement over last season's winless campaign. Blair made the huge turnaround behind the play of their seniors and their deep bench. The return of scoring phenomenon senior Neal Vasilak was a huge bonus, but also the team's depth and increased experience helped them secure a wining season.

Blair jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the first period after goals by senior Nathan Barrymore and Vasilak. However, Broadneck would come back with two goals in the final four minutes of the period. First Broadneck found a player wide-open in front of the goal, leaving senior goalkeeper Graham Mathews helpless. Broadneck then took the lead on a power play goal at the 2:12 mark after Vasilak was called for a penalty.

Penalties would plague Blair as Broadneck scored three power play goals and Blair failed to capitalize on several power play opportunities. Midway through the second period Broadneck scored after a penalty was called on senior Nick Falgout. A minute later they would score again to put Broadneck up by three, which proved to be a back breaker for Blair, as they wouldn't get any closer the rest of the game.

The third period continued poorly for Blair as Broadneck scored another power play goal at the 13:30 mark. Despite being down 6-2, the Blazers would return with a bit of a spark scoring three goals in the final period, however Broadneck was able to answer each Blair score. Junior Peter Semitekolos scored on a great shot midway through the period. In an attempt to make a last minute come back, Blair pulled Mathews from the goal, which led to an open-net goal for Broadneck. Both Barrymore and Vasilak would score again, both had two goals on the night, but their effort was to no avail.

Offensively Blair struggled to finish on several excellent scoring opportunities and often relied too much on the individual efforts of Vasilak. Vasilak was often all alone in the offensive zone attempting to push through several Broadneck defenders, with little support. Vasilak's quick moves and tricky stick work were not enough to defeat the entire Broadneck team. The team got off 32 shots but struggled to score and follow-up on rebounds.

On defense junior Lee Shields continued his aggressive play and Mathews came up big in the net time after time. Mathews recorded 23 saves on the night including several excellent 1 v 1 saves, he also allowed very few rebounds. However, Broadneck's goalie also played a solid game making 27 saves.

Blair ended their regular season on a winning note as they beat Magruder and upset Springbrook in a row to qualify for the playoffs. Blair looks to continue their success next season as Shields, Julian Shapiro, Scott Lavon, Robby Ginsberg and Jake Drengwitz return and the addition of several JV players. However, they will have some big shoes to fill as Vasilak, Brad Gee, Mathews, and Barrymore will be graduating.