May the Brewster High School Ice Hockey Madness Commence
January 1, 2012
Filed under Arts and Athletics
On November 25, 2011, the Brewster High School Varsity Ice Hockey team kicked off their season with a victorious game against Fox Lane. Junior Sean Hamilton initiated the quick goal scoring pattern that continued to evolve throughout the game. The first goal of the season was assisted by sophomore Sean Henderson, passing the puck diagonally to Hamilton who then whipped the puck into the opposite top corner of the goal, confusing the goalie and causing uproar from the loyal Brewster fans, whose encouraging chants sent a positive aura throughout the rink.
The Brewster team has the ability to work as a unit and anticipate passes before they are made, even when they are down a player from a penalty. Hockey is known for its physicality on the ice with fights erupting among the players regularly, even on the professional level. All hockey teams must learn to play with any random mix of players on the ice since penalties are so frequent and unforeseeable; the Brewster teams fulfills this sometimes difficult task because no one individual player on the team is ever solely relied and thus, goals are always scored.
For instance, at approximately five minutes into the first of the three periods, senior Eric Dolce was sent into the penalty box and after a mere twelve seconds, sophomore Sean Henderson dribbled directly down the center of the ice and scored a goal.
And although particularly experienced sophomore captain Joe Wegwerth, recently chosen for the USA Junior Olympic team, spent time in the penalty box with just four minutes left in the first period, the Brewster team still managed to hold their own. Wegerth, however, is a very valuable player and his extraordinary skills certainly confirm themselves on the ice and in the record book. Wegwerth’s speedy glides down the ice and constant escapes from walls of defenders add to his statistics and his tremendous skill. When he’s on the ice, Brewster uses him as the always open forward and when he’s off the ice, Brewster undoubtedly accommodates for his absence. Eight minutes into the game, Wegwerth repeatedly shot his forceful hits into the goal multiple times but the fierce Fox Lane goalie stopped every single one. However, twenty-three seconds later, Wegwerth assisted a beautiful shot who was ultimately scored by senior Mark Bentson. These ideal passing and shooting patterns slightly declined in the proceeding time frame of the game.
During the second period, the score holding 5-0 with Brewster in the lead, the boys constantly shot the puck with power, occasionally missing but still skimming the top of the plastic goal post. With all the misses, Fox Lane picked up momentum and scored a goal; the stands worried about the opponent’s determination. The fears of the Brewster fans were assuaged, though, when nine minutes into the second period, Joe Wegwerth scored with the support of senior, Mike Sullivan.
With about ten minutes until the end of the game, Fox Lane threw in a female in the forward position line and scored with her presence on the ice, but factors like this did not distract Brewster’s perseverance and triumph.
As the game continued the Bears won 12-4 and contributing to their record constituting ten wins and one loss. The Brewster team hopes to keep their record with just one loss and an increasing number of wins. With this, the Bears aspire to steal the section title and continue on with a victorious extended season.
- A. Braia