The boys hockey team finished its season with a record of 14–5–3 in the NJSIAA semi-finals against Bridgewater, losing 1–0.
Said senior Tri-Captain Andrew Stern: “Our main goal was to intimidate Bridgewater and play physical…. We were definitely dominating time of possession and chances in the offensive zone.”
The second period began with a shot on goal by Bridgewater in the first minute.
Senior Tri-Captain Dane Huber then made his way down the ice with a pass to senior Tri-Captain Andy Eckert who then took a shot on goal, just missing the net.
Said Huber: “The team could have improved on finishing…. We play sound defense and create many scoring chances, but we could not finish.”
The game quickly intensified when senior Will Allen drew an interference penalty after he was slid into by a Bridgewater player.
With minutes left in the period, Bridgewater scored, giving the team a lead of 1–0. Westfield tried to recover with Stern attempting to score. After trying to rebound off of Stern’s shot on goal, WHS piled in the goalie zone but remained unsuccessful.
The final period progressed with shots on goal by Huber, Stern and Allen.
WHS attempted to score on a power play with one minute left in the game, but remained unsuccessful, finishing the game with a final score of 1–0.
Despite this final loss, during their four years of playing, this senior class is the winningest class in WHS history, according to Huber.
Said Huber: “I am most proud of changing the perception of Westfield hockey in the state. People now know that every time you play Westfield, you will be in a dogfight.”
Added Head Coach Sean Cromarty: “I think that for the 12 skaters and 2 goalies we’ve created great bonds which will last a lifetime. I am more proud of that…than any ice accolade we received as a team.”