Colts Hockey Season Ends Dramatically

Enthusiastic fans of the Ramapo Raiders and the were privileged to watch a tremendous game that ended the Colts' run in the state tournament in a most dramatic fashion.  The Colts lost in the second round of the playoffs in a shootout 4-3.

Despite the loss, Kinnelon Ice Hockey Head Coach Jeff Myhren was proud of his team.

“What can I say? That was an incredible game by both teams. I am very proud of those guys in the locker room. They came to play and they left it all out there on the ice tonight. We knew it was going to be a battle, we were prepared for it. We watched a lot of film, to learn their tendencies. Ramapo’s style of play is very similar to Randolph’s, which helped us get ready for this game,” Myhren said after the game.

Thursday's matchup was truly a goaltending duel. Kinnelon's Jason Braimon and Ramapo's Carl Boomhower put on a goaltending clinic, both making countless highlight reel saves. After a scoreless first period, the second period began with a flurry of goals. Ramapo started off the scoring when Dan Thompson buried a shot behind Braimon. Twenty four seconds later, Kinnelon junior forward Brian Kruser scored a goal after taking a pass from his line mate Brian Gnad.

The Raiders quickly regained the lead when Matt Mintz scored a goal. The resilient Colts tied the game three minutes later when Brian Gnad took a pass from the corner boards from Ryan Driscoll and fired a backhanded shot behind Boomhower. 

Three minutes into the third period, the Colts had a huge scare when Braimon was sprawled out on the ice with an upper body injury. The tough goalie fought through the pain to continue making clutch saves.  

When asked about the injury, Myhren said, “Jason played through the pain. He is the guy that got us here. He has come such a long way in four years; he has turned into a phenomenal goaltender. Tonight was like the whole season; he kept us in a tight game, and made timely saves."

Forty five seconds after the game resumed, Kyle Verblaau gave Kinnelon the first lead of the night. A costly turnover by the Colts gave the Raiders an odd man rush, which they then used to tie the game up at three with less than six minutes remaining.

Overtime and shootouts only occur in the playoffs because one team must win. If the teams are tied at the end of regulation, an overtime period is played, with the first team that scores winning. Since neither team scored, shootouts of five players per team took one shot on the opposing goalie. Typically, whichever team scores the most goals in the shootout wins.

Both teams, who were clearly fatigued, exchanged many scoring opportunities during the overtime period, but both goalies were up to the task. As the shootout began, all eyes were focused on both net minders. Boomhower only gave up one goal and had one shot hit the crossbar, ultimately defeated Braimon and the Colts and ending their season. 

When asked about the re-building season, Coach Myhren replied, “If that’s a rebuilding season, K-Puck’s future is really bright. Our top offensive line will fully be back next season, as well as other key players. I hate to see our season end, but I’m looking forward to the future.”