RMHS Hockey Gets Super 8 Snub; Focus Shifts to North Sectionals

The Reading Boys hockey team was knocking on the door of the Super 8 after they knocked off powerhouse BC High, but their run fell a little short as they were not included in the big dance. In consolation, the Rockets earned a five seed in the Division I North bracket and will face off versus No. 12 Acton-Boxboro Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at the Chelmsford Forum.

The Rockets tried to do everything they possibly could to earn a shot at the Super 8, but just fell a few votes short. The team battled through numerous injuries to win the Middlesex League Large School Division as well as challenge for a Super 8 berth after being practically written off at the start of the season by many.

Junior and left-winger Andrew Narahara knew the season would be a grind with the injuries and adversity, but he made sure the team was all on the same page from the start.

“Our team chemistry is very important and at the beginning of the year, Coach Doherty shuffled the lines a few times to try and get the best lines possible,” Narahara said. “Even with the new line mates each week, we were still able to work together well because we had good team chemistry.”

Narahara described this year’s team as being special due to the team’s focus and ability to play the game of hockey.

“There are no characters who take away morale or focus from the team,” Narahara said. “This has allowed us to win games that people might not have expected us to win and also we stay focused and work hard in practice after both wins and losses. We just try and do our best out on the ice, giving it everything we’ve got.”

Although the Rockets did not make the Super 8, Narahara made it clear that it would have meant the world to him to wear the Reading jersey for the special occasion.

“Certainly getting into the Super 8 would have meant a lot. As much as possible we just try to work hard and win games,” Narahara said. “By focusing on one game at a time rather than thinking about the big picture (getting into the Super 8), our team has been able to bounce back from bad losses and stay modest after big wins.”

Senior and first-line center Patrick Manzi also stressed that between the injuries and people underestimating their team, it made them stronger and closer as a team.

“The adversity pushed us to work harder in practice and become closer with each other,” Manzi said. “We were the underdog for most of our season and as it carried on, we found chemistry with one another and built up a bond that I have never had with any other team. We might not be the most talented team out there, but when we push and work for everyone on the bench, we can make miracles happen.”

Manzi reiterated that this team was special because of the decision made to work for everything they were going to earn throughout the year.

“We knew from the beginning it wasn’t going to be easy and if we wanted to win, it had to be through hard work and sacrificing yourself for the team,” Manzi said. “We work hard in practice and try to get better at things we need to improve on. Everyone is basically on the same page and that is where the success comes from.”

Manzi stated the coaching staff never let the team get too high or too low after a win or a loss to focus on the next game on the schedule.

“After a big win or a loss, our coaches would tell us that the game you just played is over and it’s time to move on and forget about it,” Manzi said. “If you don’t concentrate on what needs to happen to win the next game then the previous games mean nothing.”

Although their big win versus BC High was not enough to open the committee’s eyes to earn a spot in the Super 8, Manzi believes his team can play with anyone in the State.

“The win over BC high was a huge win for us and it showed that when we play to our highest potential we can skate with anyone,” Manzi said. “When we bear down and play smart and strong hockey, we can be a very dangerous team to play against.”

“After all that has happened over the last four years in Reading, it would be amazing for us to get a shot at playing in the Super 8,” Manzi said. “We have come so far from the start of the season and I know if we got a chance to be in it, we would make a solid run. Since the 2008 year, our program has been building ever since and this team shows that depth in a hockey team is key.”

Manzi, Narahara and the Reading Rockets will need to settle for a Division I matchup versus Acton-Boxboro as their Super 8 dreams were smashed by the voting committee.