The crowd was electric. As chants echoed throughout the rink shouting the players’ names, everyone had high hopes for the first seed Westfield to bring home some hardware and become NJSIAA North 2, Group 4 Champions. The cheers were not enough as the boys came home empty handed, despite a hard fought matchup, laying everything out on the ice.
“They played their hearts out and that’s all I could ask for. We did our best and we were the better team but we didn’t get the outcome we wanted,” explained head coach Joe Bertucci.
Despite a loss, the Blue Devils held their own throughout the entire game. As the boys came out hot in the first period, there were multiple shots fired at Manapalan’s goalie which would continue from Westfield’s offensive unit until the final buzzer. Senior co-captain Alex Ebel was one of the most important aspects of the Blue Devils play, despite a penalty taken in the first period. The four Blue Devils left to defend their zone would rally together during the penalty kill, not letting the Braves break through. The rest of the first period would remain a back and forth game, with Westfield maintaining slightly more possession than their opponents resulting in a 0-0 score going into the second.
As Manalapan began the second period with multiple shots fired at senior goalkeeper Andrew Raber, he was able to hold them off until minute 8:27 when the Braves were able to sneak one past him.
“This is one of the most successful seasons in Westfield High School hockey history. We played in every possible game except one and that’s a pretty big accomplishment and I think there is no reason to hang our heads as we took home multiple cups. We just couldn’t pull through in the end which is unfortunate,” explained Raber
Another goal would not be seen for the remainder of the game. Multiple power plays were given to Westfield, but their luck was tested as they were unable to get a puck in the net, despite having almost double the amount of shots as Manalapan.
Regardless of the outcome, the Blue Devils held their heads high and reflected on how the season went as a whole. Senior co-captain Michael Wilson said, “I couldn’t be prouder of all the guys. Everyone gave it their all this whole year and honestly it’s been such a good season. We really wanted to go to the Prudential Center but I am happy with how this ended. Everyone gave their hearts. The defense, the forwards, everyone was always buzzing and I don’t think anyone had a bad game.”
Wilson also attributes the team’s success and bright future to the younger generation of players in hopes they will carry out the legacy of this year’s team. “We got a bunch of young guys. Wotanowski, Benson, Lisnock, Bergman and all the other players that are following in the upcoming years and I know they will take this team to good places.”
Even if the outcome was not what Westfield would have hoped for, it was truly a record breaking and life changing season the Blue Devils will never forget.
