Brockport gave the Plattsburgh machine a serious run for its money in last night's playoff game, hanging in there at 6-5 till the last couple of minutes when the Cardinals put the game out of reach with an empty netter.
That dramatic game and getting so close to the SUNYAC championship game was the icing on the cake for what was one of the most entertaining and memorable Brockport seasons in memory. I would put it a close second to the 2008-2009 team which I rank as my all-time favorite in my 22 seasons watching the team....that's how special this year was.
The team and personal accomplishments were many.
Early in the season, Brockport almost took Plattsburgh on home ice with a nail-biting 1-0 affair.
Saves For a Cure weekend was a smashing success with 2 jersey auctions.
They tied the always powerful Oswego in Oswego's barn.
Brockport won the Rutland Herlad Invitational during the Thanksgiving break.
The Golden Eagles shut out Buffalo State and Fredonia in consecutive games.
They had a team record six-game winning streak.
They avenged a 0-2 regular season record against our greatest rival Geneseo by beating them in the playoffs 6-4.
Chase Nieuwwendyk scored 18 goals on the season, including 11 in SUNYAC play. He was magical every time he touched the puck and many of his plays were jaw-dropping.
Chris Luker surpassed 20 points again, an amazing accomplishment for a defenseman.
Speaking of defensemen, Bobby Chayka had an unprecedented performance for one, scoring a hat trick in a playoff game...against Plattsburgh no less.
In the regular season, James Ryan also scored a hat trick against Plattsburgh.
Ryan Kangas surpassed 20 points as a freshman.
Aaron Green had one of the best seasons ever for a Brockport goalie, with single seasons totals that saw the second best goals-against-average, second best save percentage, the third-most wins by a goalie, two shutouts, 59 saves against Geneseo in the playoffs and an out of this world .927 save percentage and 2.24 GAA in conference play.
These are just a few of the things that made this season so memorable.
Thank you to the players and coaches for making 2014-2015 special.
The season makes me damn proud to be a fan of the Golden Eagles.
Thanks for the ride!
Thanks for the memories!
