The South Brunswick High School ice hockey team was defeated by Tenafly, 3-0, in the opening game of the NJSIAA Public A Tournament on Tuesday.
"Tenafly is a good team, but that was a winnable game," South Brunswick Coach Michael Slansky said. "We could have beaten them."
According to Slansky, the game came down to the final minute of the first period. Tenafly scored twice in the final 46 seconds of the first period.
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"The other goal was an empty netter," Slansky noted. "The game was what happened at the end of the first period."
South Brunswick had threatened to take a lead early in the first period when Sean Kacerosky took what Slansky called a "wicked shot." That "wicked shot" earned Kacerosky 18 goals and 11 assists this season.
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"I think the shot surprised the goalie," Slansky said. "He just got his arm up. It hit him either in the shoulder or elbow. He was definitely handcuffed by the shot. It's a shame. If that shot goes in, we take the 1-0 lead and it's a different game."
As it was, South Brunswick was limited to just 14 shots. Tenafly got off 21 shots.
South Brunswick was hurt by the absence of Will Connell, who led the team with 18 goals and 18 assists this season. Connell separated his shoulder in the Greater Middlesex Conference title game two weeks ago.
"It was a very defensive game," Slansky said of the playoff loss. "Both goalies made some saves when they had to make saves."
While Slansky and his players were disappointed to lose the game, the real disappointment came with the seed. Despite coming into the game with a 15-2-1 record, South Brunswick was the 20th seed and playing a road game.
"I was a little disappointed we didn't get a home game," Slansky said. "We deserved one. I can't explain it."
While the end didn't go as planned, a 15-3-1 season, which included a Greater Middlesex Conference Championship, has to be considered a success.
"We beat two good teams (St. Joes and Old Bridge) to win the GMC," Slansky said. "We definitely had a good year. I don't want to take anything away from what we achieved this season. The boys played hard and never gave up. Can't ask for more than that."
Well, at least he can't ask for anything more than maybe a home playoff game and something better than a 20th seed for a team that was 15-2-1 going into the states.
