The Observer, February 29, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 19
Underdog Spartans advance to championship, fall to Hilbert
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Fastidiously forestalling a final farewell, the Case Ice Hockey Club proved the critics wrong by winning their first two games in the playoffs by slim margins, forcing an exhausted Spartan team to face last year's champs, Hilbert College.
Up first on Friday was Allegheny College, who beat Case 4-6 and 3-10 in previous regular season games. Falling behind in the first period, Case turned up the intensity and came back to tie the game in the middle of the third period.
"We just really capitalized on all our chances that game. We just ended up wanting it more than them and came out on top," said club president Jim Lowe.
The first of two nail-biters, Case seemed to be the masters of their destiny, dragging out the third period against Allegheny tied. The key to make the win happen was Lowe, who captured the puck with less than 10 seconds left on the clock and broke away for a one-on-one with the Allegheny goalie. Going for broke, Lowe scored with superior stick play, putting Case up 5-4. The win Propelled them to a second round berth against the Community College of Allegheny County, who Case had lost to just a week prior.
"It was just determination. We have a small group of guys; most teams have 15-20 altogether. We get by with just two shifts. We kept our heads together and didn't get a lot of penalties," said Mike Stork.
Losing two close games in the regular season against the CHA's regular season champion, CCAC, Case had more than just a tough team to face.
"We didn't know what to expect, they were the best team we've played all year. It wasn't really revenge we were after, just the excitement of the playoffs and getting into that championship game," said Stork.
Again falling behind in the first and second period, Case hockey dug themselves a 3-1 hole. Scoring two quick goals in the third put them back in contention however, winning the important momentum factor.
"In the third, fourth, and fifth period we flat outskated CCAC. Last week didn't matter, whoever won went to the championship and we just happened to get the better end of the deal," said Lowe.
Combining for 10 of the 14 goals during the weekend, Stork and Lowe were the go-to scorers for the Spartans. After a scoreless first period of overtime, Lowe scored the game-winner for the second game in a row halfway through fifth period. Case held on for the win despite fatigue.
"We met before the game and decided to calm down against CCAC unlike last time and not retaliate no matter what. We played so much better as a team and definitely concentrated on winning the game as opposed to whatever individual goals we had," said Stork.
Playing eight periods in two days will tire any hockey team, not just Case's 10 skaters. That soreness started to play a large role as energy on the ice turned to pure adrenaline on Sunday's blockbuster championship against Hilbert College. Starting off the game with a 1-0 lead in the first period, Case later lost that steam as the game dragged on.
"By that point you really don't feel anything. No matter what injury a team member has, I don't think anyone would have missed that game. That being said, I think we were all sore and by that point it would be foolish to think our short bench didn't hurt us," said Stork.
Power plays killed the Spartans, as the Hawks scored five goals while a Case skater was in the penalty box.
"For the first two games penalties were not an issue. The refereeing style took a full 180 [in the championship] and they just weren't calling anything. Some players took this as liberty to cheap shot and game play got more physical. It's upsetting seeing the refereeing style change like that. But at the same time we could have been more careful," said Lowe.
Ending in an 8-5 loss, Case's determined players fought until the end, not quite giving up hope. Ending 9-8 in the league this year, Case exceeded expectations in the playoffs, displaying character not shown prior in the season.
"It was a great finish for us; we came out and gave 110 percent and gave more as a team than in the past. I was happy with the results, though obviously it would have been nice to get the win," said Lowe.
