lose another game and to win the Suffolk
County title.”
The motivation of a playoff loss can
do wonders for a team in the future.
When you come that close, it’s hard not
to want to push for more.
And after only losing five seniors
to graduation, and returning two
of their best players, forward, Matt
O’Shaughnessy, and defenseman, Brett
Rooney, SJB was poised to build on what
they had accomplished last season.
Thus far, the team has not
disappointed. Currently 8-1, their only
58
loss came due to a forfeit that was the
result of a scheduling conflict. Truly a
testament to the coaching style employed
this season; SJB is currently leading the
league in scoring and has allowed the
fewest goals against.
despite their success. He wants the boys
to stay humble. Once playoffs begin, it
is single elimination until the finals. “We
can’t afford to have a bad game, or take a
team lightly.” And the same goes for the
rest of the way during the regular season.
“This year has been different because
of the speed and skill we have. The
coaching staff this year has taken a
more hands off approach in terms of
systems. We want to make sure we are
encouraging creativity.”
There are still some tough matchups
ahead. However, if the team can remain
focused and continue to work at putting
teams away early in