Torres: ‘We Ran Into A Tough Shen Team’

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After giving up six goals in seven straight victories heading into the Section II Division I championship game, the Saratoga Springs ice hockey team gave up five goals Tuesday night in an eliminating loss to Shenendehowa, 5-0. Being the defending state champions, the Blue Streaks (14-6-3) had the big target on their backs all season. “It’s a huge target,” Blue Streaks head coach Dave Torres said. “If you’re not used to it, you really don’t know how to react to it and how to prepare for it. We came a long way this season with a young team.” After four straight sectional championships, the Blue Streaks found themselves in an unfamiliar position: taking the bus ride home after losing at Union College. “I’m proud of the guys and proud of what they accomplished,” Torres said. “No one expected us to be in that final this year, but we overcame a lot of midseason injuries and came back reunited as a unit and accomplished some good things.” The Streaks responded to a season-low three-game losing streak with a seven-game winning streak heading into Tuesday’s title game. “Things worked out for us, but unfortunately we ran into a tough Shen team the other night and they played a lot better than we did,” Torres said. “They deserved to win.” Junior Shen forward and Player of the Year Peter Russo had a goal and an assist in the win, while teammate and fellow Section II All-Star Kyle Marr had a goal and two assists. Plainsmen goalie Ben Farstad had 22 saves in the shutout. After the loss, Torres recalled the presence in the locker room. “It was tough,” Torres said of being in the locker room after the loss. “It was very emotional for the boys and me. It’s not a place we’re used to being in. You have to learn from that. You learn from your wins, you learn from your losses. We had a great season and I reminded them of that and the outgoing seniors that you’re going out state champs. No one will ever take that away from you.” The young team will be returning a core group, as this year’s seniors depart having left a lasting legacy on the program with a state championship under their belt. One of those seniors is Section II First Team All-Star and co-captain Drew Patterson. “[Patterson]’s come a long way the last three years,” Torres said. “He’s grown into a mature young man and a true leader on this team. The kids really respect him. He was probably our MVP this year the ultimate team player. He took the loss the hardest out of anyone on the team. He’s just a fine young man who will do great things in the future. “ The Blue Streaks will also be losing defenseman and co-captains Nick Conchieri and Matt Klingbeil. “[Matt]’s just an all-around hockey player,” Torres said of the player who has been with him in his three years as head coach. “He started out as a forward and last year was moved to defense when we needed him. He moved back to forward, his natural position, this season. Tuesday night, he was moved to defense because Cam McCall went down with injury. He’s the ultimate—he’s like vice grips. You can use vice grips for anything. He’s our vice grips. He’s a utility man.” Grayson Rieder, who finished tied for third on the team with goals (12) is also in his senior season, as is goaltender Zack Jones, who Torres said took sophomore goalie Danny Hobbs under his wing. But the Blue Streaks will also be bringing back 10 of this year’s sophomores, including Hobbs, sophomore All-Section Honorable Mention Elliot Hungerford and team-leading goal scorer and Section II First Team junior JT Rafferty (15 goals). “JT grew as a role player last year, not getting a lot of ice time, to being one of our top guys,” Torres said. “He’s a tremendous young man and I can’t wait to see what he does next year. He played with a serious injury all season long and no one would know it (torn labrum). He put surgery off so he could get this hockey season in. No one really knew he was injured and you would never know from his play.” Returning defensemen McCall, Ian Frey, Austin Patterson and Section II Second Team member Brendan Coffey played big minutes this year as well. As declared by Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson last March, “Saratoga Hockey Day” will be celebrated on March 10 to honor the 1999 and 2013 state championships. Torres is anticipating the 10th, but is focused on regrouping this weekend, getting kids in the weight room and preparing for next year. “We’ll be back,” Torres said. “We’ll definitely be back, no doubt. It’s a learning experience for everybody. Our team is not used to losing. We’re used to being on the top.”