This past Saturday, March 14 marked the end of the season for the Saratoga Blue Streaks hockey team after losing 2-1 in overtime to Baldwinsville in the New York State Tournament semifinal.
Some games end in the first period after one team takes a decisive lead; after that, it’s just a matter of letting the clock run out.
This wasn’t the case.
On Saturday, the game didn’t end until 33 seconds into overtime, after 45 minutes of hard-fought hockey. And just like the other losses incurred this year by the Streaks, it seemed to be a matter of luck. Saratoga fired off 13 of the 16 shots on goal during regulation. Saratoga, during the third period, hit the post twice in five minutes. It seems this year it just wasn’t meant to be, as the game ended 13 seconds into overtime. But on a dreary Monday morning, as the players make their way into school, some still sporting their postseason haircuts, you can see for some of these young men, the game isn’t over, and it might not be for some time.
This year on his roster, coach David Torres carried seven seniors: Max Liebers, JT Rafferty, Cam McCall, Zach Guzi, Tommy Pellitier and Jack Rittenhouse.
Defenseman Liebers said the defining part of his hockey career was “being part of a team that brought home a state title (in 2012),” and after a pause added, “but also watching my boys win a section chip this year was so awesome.”
The memory of that section title win is not carried by Liebers alone, as it has been an integral part of the hockey journey for many of the Saratoga boys.
“My moment was definitely winning the section championship this year,” Pelleteir said. “While some of the other upperclassmen have state champ rings, kids like me, Ritt and Guzi have never even won a section title. Winning our section with all of my closest friends that I grew up with was a fantastic feeling, we could feel our hard work paying off.”
Frey offered his thoughts: “I’ve gotten to play with the guys that I’ve known since Mites in front of family and friends in a really cool atmosphere. To have had this level of success has been really special and I’m grateful to have had the experience.”
Rafferty said winning Section II was the season’s highlight.
“I have to say my favorite moment would be when we got the job done at Union,” he said. “After having such a bad experience last year it was nice being able to come out on top with the team. There’s nothing better than celebrating with the boys after all the hard work we put in.”
Guzi’s thoughts were similar to his fellow seniors’ expressions.
“My defining moment this year must have been coming back after a suspension and scoring the game-tying goal against Shenendehowa at home on senior night in front of a packed house,” he said. “Winning sectionals was a really good feeling too.”
Guzi was suspended for his involvement in a fight earlier in the season.
Recalling some important moments from the team’s season, McCall said: “Our third period comeback in the beginning of the season against Shaker really set the tone for our year. We were down 1-0 and after 35 shots, we were having trouble putting them in. Then in the middle of the season, coming off a 4-2 loss at Shen, we came together and ended up beating Suffern, West Genesee and Williamsville North. It was then that we really realized we could compete. As far as the last part of our season, well I think that speaks for itself.”
After being benched this season with a bad concussion, Liebers said he has had more time to wrap his mind around the end of his hockey career. What he said and it’s provides some real and raw insight.
“It’s hard having something that’s been so central to your identity for your whole childhood be over.,” Liebers concluded. “I’ve been playing with all these seniors for 10-plus years and we’ve all had hockey to rely on. Now we have to move on. I’ll never forget my boys. JT is a really outstanding leader who’s going to make a difference serving for our country (in the military.) Jack and Peezy are great kids, and I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent on the ice with these guys. Everyone’s going to miss it”.
Dakota Smith, goalie of the 2012-13 team that won the states, gave an anecdote for the Blue Streaks’ season.
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"It was great being back out on my home ice, it was definitely bittersweet to practice with the team, seeing the same passion in these guys as my team had,” he said. “It definitely brought back memories, and it's disappointing to see them lose after working so hard, but Saratoga has a promising group of players who I'm sure will do big things in the future."
