In the words of 1970’s Canadian rock & roller, Pat Travers, “Boom. Boom. Out go the lights!” With the sounding of the final buzzer last night at the Ashburn Ice House, a valiant Madison Warhawks team ended their 2014-15 NVSHL season with a 3-1 loss to an undefeated Stone Bridge team.
Playing with only 10 skaters for most of the game the Warhawks showed their heart and determination throughout the contest. Goalie Dean Kern was exceptional in goal turning away over 40 shots. Many from in close with traffic all around him. Late in the 2nd period, with the score 2-1 and Warhawks killing off a Stone Bridge 5-3 power play, Dean let his actions do the talking “No soup for you!” as he made several spectacular saves. The Warhawks would go on to kill off the penalties without surrendering a goal thanks to stellar play from the defense corps of Justin Roberts, Richard Zhang, Noah Thompson and Johnna Ezzard. Gritty play from forwards Jason Calem, Alex Tudan, Mike Gros and Justin Shayne also played a key role in keeping the high powered Stone Bridge offence in check throughout the match.
Madison’s lone goal came fittingly from its pair of seniors. Off balance and falling to his knees, Dylan Cass was able to thread the needle with a backhand aerial pass through several Stone Bridge players springing Matt Bacigalupo on a breakaway. Matt put the thrusters on full and pulled away from the Stone Bridge defenders before firing a sniper shot into the upper corner of net.
The Warhawks tried valiantly to make a comeback but the effects of a short bench made shorter by losing star player Kamron Sarmadi to a game misconduct early in the second period proved more than the will to win could overcome.
Looking back on the 2014-15 NVSHL season, this Madison Warhawks ice hockey team has much to be proud of. A very young team (80% of the roster: sophomore/freshmen), often playing against teams with twice as many skaters, this team never gave up nor gave in. They battled hard for each other and their school. Additionally, seniors Dylan Cass and Matt Bacigalupo capped off their high school hockey careers in style. Both will finish amongst the league leaders in scoring. Matt finished in the top 5 for assists with 12. Dylan in the top 5 for both goals (18) and points (26).
So while the lights may be going out on the 2014-15 season, the future looks bright for this young and talented team…
