All good things must come to an end, Prep ends Hamden's season 5-2

This past Saturday was a beautiful day for hockey. When we arrived at Bennett Rink in West Haven, the line was already out the door. It was quite the scene.

When you're from Hamden, it is almost in your genes to want to beat Prep. Technically, we should want to beat every team, but when we face off Prep, the game gets put on a pedestal.

Prior to this game, the season series between both teams stood even at 1 game a piece. Some say we stole a victory off a Prep mistake, I say we beat them. In the second game, they beat us. And now, for the final meeting.

The minute we stepped on the ice, I couldn't even hear myself think. Between Fairfield's bomb squad and our own fan section, led by the recharged Matt Degiacomo, the die-hard Nicky Z, and superfan Paulie D, the atmosphere was that of a state final.

Prep scored first off a wrap around, but Jimmy Burt immediately took the puck off the pursuing faceoff and beat Prep goaltender John Gagliani short side to tie the game. The game was the fastest I've experienced it, as both teams were flying up and down the ice.

In the second, Matt Hoff shutout the Jesuits and freshman phenom Michael Lee blasted one by Gagliani on the powerplay to take the lead 2-1. We held on to the lead for the remainder of the period and prepared for the third.

After we killed off a penalty to begin the third, we earned another penalty that we couldn't kill off which resulted in a Prep powerplay goal to tie the game at 2. Just as we were back to full strength, we were put at yet another disadvantage thanks to a five minute misconduct penalty. We were able to almost kill it all off until the final seconds, where they snuck a disheartening one through Hoff's fivehole. 3-2 Prep.

We fought until the end, but Gagliani and his defense didn't break. We tried to pull our goalie on two separate occasions, but they scored on the empty net both times.

Just like that, our season ended. I can honestly say I have zero regrets through my four years as a Dragon. Although it would have been nice to go out with a bang, two out of three titles isn't bad by any means.

The loss was taken differently by every player, but I speak for myself and my teammates in saying what a ride it has been, and I thank them for that. If this is the worst thing that happens to me in the next ten years of my life, I'll be one happy sailor.

Thank you also to my family and coaches who have supported me whatever the occasion may be.

More thanks to our fans, who were at every game. I thank you for that, and I can't imagine playing one period without hearing the mothers scream or the students chant.

Also, thank you to Mr. Morelli and Mr. Nowak of the Register who have made this all possible. I've had a blast.

Best of luck to Prep and the rest of the teams in their quest for a title. It is a beautiful thing when you win, trust me. I usually don't like to post a prediction, but if you asked me who is going to win, I must say New Canaan. Coming this far without a loss while dealing with all they have been through this season, it seems like it is just meant for them to be perfect.

Lastly, I thank you all for reading this week in and week out. The support has been incredible and the numbers are greater than I ever thought they'd be, and I appreciate that more than words can express.

Be well,
R.J. Ugolik