Trojan Hockey: A Slow but Promising Start

The 2011-2012 Trojans began the pre-season with a move from junior varsity up to the Varsity B division. Fifteen players returned from last year with the addition of two juniors (Bryan Roy and Joe Sambucci) and two freshmen (Danny Dirst and Joe Stolfo).

Game 1 was played Oct. 9 in Oak Lawn against the Cobras (Shepard, Stagg, Oak Lawn, Richards, Thornton Fractional South and Evergreen Park High Schools).

With both Trojan goalies unavailable due to previously scheduled out-of-town commitments, Byron Graf agreed to don the equipment and step into the net. With very little previous experience, he played an amazing game, letting in only six goals on 32 shots on net. The Trojans lost 6-1. Keeping the team from being shut out was Joe Sambucci, who scored the only goal, assisted by Mark Bryane.

Game 2 saw a more confident team on the ice and an incredible third period comeback. The Trojans faced the Andrew Lightning Bolts on Saturday, Oct. 15, on their home ice in Darien. Down 5-1 at the end of two periods, the teams headed for the locker rooms while the Zamboni re-surfaced the ice. The only discussion, according to Coach Bill Broderick, was who was going to step up their game and score in the third period. 

Joe Sambucci, assisted by Bryan Dirst, had the only goal prior to the third period. A recharged team took the ice and took control of the game. Only 29 seconds in, Joe Sambucci scored again, assisted by Bryan Roy. Four minutes later, Bryan Roy (unassisted) put one in the back of the net. The Lightning Bolts upped the ante by bringing the score to 6-3. The Trojans closed the gap once more with a third goal (hat trick!) from Joe Sambucci (assisted by Dave Ulanski). Now down 6-4, the Trojans pulled their goalie and Danny Desmond, assisted by Bryan Dirst and Bryan Roy, scored one last goal.

The Trojans lost 6-5 in the end. Goalie Joe Stolfo had 22 saves.

The Trojan High School Hockey Club is a combined team consisting of players from five high schools: , Downers Grove North, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, and Lisle.  If you have any questions about our team, please email us at trojanhockey@hotmail.com.