Twenty-one brothers
Empty- handed, but not empty- hearted.
Apr 22, 2015
“SMCHS varsity ice hockey moves on to the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME tomorrow morning against Regis Jesuit from Colorado,” the announcer of Fast Hockey exclaims.
It is Sunday March 22. Just seconds before this announcement, the Eagles had completed their victory against Edina JGA of Minnesota in the semifinal game. The game was a tough fight, but the Eagles’ eventually pulled ahead to win it 4-2.
Senior captain Tyler Gebauer skates out of the offensive zone after making a shot on goal.
“The game against Minnesota was really physical, but I also think it was the best game of the tournament for us,” said senior captain Tyler Gebauer. “We got an early lead which allowed us to finish strong.”
The team was able to make it to the semifinal against Minnesota by winning two of its three pool play games followed by its quarterfinal game against Brentwood of Tennessee. SMCHS was the only California team still in the running after Orange Lutheran lost all of its games in pool play.
By the time the National Championship game rolled around, the Eagles were ready. SMCHS would be meeting Regis Jesuit for the second championship game in three years — the first was in 2013 when it ended in victory for the Eagles.
After taking a one-year absence from the National Championship tournament, SMCHS saw this rematch as the chance to finally prove once and for all that SoCal hockey is alive and strong.
Since there were only five returning National Championship players on this year’s SMCHS ice hockey team — seniors Tyler Gebauer, Jake Rosenbaum, Eemil Selanne, Dante Sacaccio and junior Dylan Gluck — the Eagles had struggled to get on their feet in the beginning of the year, losing several of their first games.
“In the beginning, by name [on the jersey], it should have been a mediocre season,” said senior Blake Duarte. “As individuals, we weren’t the best, but when we got together, we played together. We’re a family and we stuck together instead of playing for ourselves.”
Senior assistant captain Eemil Selanne makes a pass to get out of the defensive zone.
The players kept a positive outlook, however, and the team gradually underwent a change that continued to lead them to success.
“The change the team went through was the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my past three years with SMCHS,” said junior Drake Roby. “We were able to battle through adversity and with the focus and the combined effort of every individual, we became a great team. This year we put ourselves in another national championship, and we saw a return of what SM ice hockey is: a brotherhood.”
Many players credit head coach Craig Johnson for the success as the season went on.
“Craig had a lot of influence on the team’s improvement,” Gebauer said. “Coach had us doing video review and off-ice training, which really helped us be a better team in the end.”
But despite the immense out of preparation throughout the season, the players could not help but feel nervous on the morning of their championship game. Nevertheless, they were all excited that they had made it as far as they did. The seniors, especially, had this opportunity to reminisce, as it would be their last play while still wearing their SMCHS jerseys.
Senior Jake Rosenbaum looks for his defensive partner to pass the puck.
“I was still in shock that we made it that far,” Gebauer said. “I was nervous that it was my last ever high school game, last time I was ever going to be doing dryland, be in the locker room and so much more.”
By game time, the team was ready and so were its fans. @SMEaglesHockey, a twitter page that posts live updates, became increasingly popular as the past season progressed. This medium of communication was especially popular for families who couldn’t make the trip to nationals and friends who wanted to feel as though they were actually at the game. In addition to friends and family, alumni also became glued to their computer screens as the game began, rooting for the team they once played for.
“Good luck to @SMEaglesHockey today in the National Championship game! Go out and get what you’ve worked all year for!” tweeted Kyle Conway, SMCHS alumni and varsity ice hockey captain in 2012.
With people from all across the nation watching, the game began.
SMCHS gained an early lead with a goal by senior Michael Fary to make the score 1-0. Regis tied the game to 1-1 with a few minutes to go in the second period. Shortly after the third period began, Regis scores to make it 2-1. With seconds left in the game, Regis scores in an empty net to make the final score 3-1.
Junior Jack Hardwick watches the play as it comes toward him, mentally preparing to make a stop.
The Eagles’ take the silver medal in the National Championship.
“Right when the buzzer hit, I was sad,” Duarte said. “But after seeing all the guys after the game and getting together with the seniors in a huddle and talking, I was happy to be with this group of guys. I was happy to play with these seniors for the past four years. We ended on a high note.”
Despite their loss, the players felt blessed to have made it as far as they did. They credit each other for their success and hold their heads high with the sense of brotherhood that the team has.
“This year and this team were so special because even though in the beginning of the season, we had our troubles, we really came together towards the end of the year,” said junior Jack Hardwick. “In January, we didn’t even know we were going to the state tournament, which is extremely remarkable that we made it so far at nationals. I’m just happy that we took this season as far as we possibly could and that it didn’t end early for us. We deserved it. I love my 21 brothers and I would sacrifice the world for them.”