As the boys hockey season comes to a close, it is time to reflect on this year’s accomplishments and triumphs. From UCT champions, to McInnis Cup winners, all the way up to participating in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 4 sectional finals, the boys had one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Senior captains Alex Ebel, Michael Wilson and Michael Marshall lead their team to a winning record of 19-4-2, with three of their losses coming from teams who made it all the way to the state final games at Prudential.
The Blue Devils started off their season with their annual Boston trip. This trip is a major contributor to helping the team’s chemistry, form and grow for the remainder of the season, and for the continuing years as more boys join the program.
Sophomore Blake Wotanowski explained, “I was kind of nervous going in as a transfer [student] but I instantly got to know everyone and right after that whole trip we just felt like family.”
Westfield continued to the start of the season winning six games and tying one throughout the month of December. Although some of the games were close, they were able to hold off a loss until the start of 2024.
“I feel like starting on a winning streak gave us confidence early that we were good,” said senior goaltender Andrew Raber. “But I’d argue that losing three games in a row was more important than winning the first six.”
Their first loss was handed to them by Hunterdon Central who finished the season with a 12-10-1 record, nowhere near as impressive as Westfields record. Unfortunately, the boys would not see them again for the remainder of the season, looking for their shot at revenge in next year’s season. The boys would go on to lose two more games.
“For me at least, that was a bit of a reality check,” said Raber. “But then after that we didn’t lose another game until we lost sectionals.”
Going into the UCT with a bye in the first round and having lost three out of their four most recent games, the boys managed to get their second win this season against Summit. This win advanced them to the UCT final, where the boys shut out reigning public co-op state champions Governor Livingston in a thrilling victory, after losing to them 5-2 a few games prior.
“It’s always fun playing a rivalry game and seeing the student section,” said Ebel. “And just knowing what’s at stake, we all came forward and played our best hockey and that was one of our best games of the year.”
The Blue Devils would leave the UCT final going on to win their next four games right before entering the quarterfinal round of the McInnis Cup, easing past Montclair Kimberley 6-0 with a hat trick from Ebel. The second round would consist of a win against neighboring town Cranford. In the final round, after the game was delayed about two hours, the boys took home the McInnis Cup at midnight against Summit 5-2, accumulating their third win against them this season.
“Winning the McInnis Championship was a goal of ours to start the season,” said head coach Joe Bertucci. “We worked hard to achieve it and I am proud that we were able to.”
Immediately after the McInnis win, the long awaited and anticipated sectional tournament began. The boys saw a win in the first round against Scotch Plains Fanwood, the quarterfinal against Bridgewater Raritan, and the semifinal round versus Rumson-Fair Haven, falling short to Manalapan 1-0 in the NJSIAA North 2, Group 4 sectional finals.
Ebel said, “I think everybody learned a lot about adversity. They had a super good goaltender in that sectional final game. It’s something we couldn’t crack, but I don’t think that defines our season. We had a lot of success… I think making it that far is a big learning experience for the younger guys.”
Despite an unfortunate loss in the sectional finals, the boys managed to play every possible game this season, except the state final, marking it as one of the most successful seasons in program history. Never before had the Blue Devils advanced this far in program history.
Bertucci said, “We were able to win two championships and were so close to a third. The boys were an absolute pleasure to coach. Every kid chipped in and played their part. Most importantly, the boys formed a family that they will have for the rest of their lives.”
The team looks to carry out this year’s legacy for many years to come, as each season the team continues to grow and develop, making each season even better than the last.
Wotanowski adds, “I think we have a lot of rising talent and a lot of heart on this team. Over the next few years it’s going to be all about development and seeing what kind of leaders are going to be made. With the help of the coaches, staff and players, we are going to be able to make some more championship teams.”
