Ramapo Runs Out of Miracles

They entered the season with four players with varsity experience and ended it by reaching the quarterfinals of the state hockey tournament. They played longer into the tournament than NBIL foes Ramsey, Northern Highlands and Glen Rock, all of which were higher seeds. Perhaps just as importantly, they were a shining example of the concept of "team," that the sum of their parts was greater than any individual.

And while the way it ended, a 2-1 overtime loss to Jefferson, was heartbreaking, Ramapo can skate off into the sunset knowing they led the league in overachieving, and—according to their coach—heart and character, as well.

"This team gave everything we had," said coach Lee Barber of his 17-8-3 squad, which advanced further into the state tournament than any Ramapo team had before. "The game was a barn-burner, and the guys left it all on the ice. I could not be prouder of this team. I will never forget this group. I feel blessed to have been part of their lives."

The Raiders were within 57 seconds of a shootout when Jefferson scored from close range after a shot from the point pin-balled through a maze of players and came to Jefferson's Luke Combos on the doorstep of an open net. A shootout likely would have spelled a huge advantage for the Raiders. Goalie Carl Boomhower, the team's backbone, was in his zone, turning away 40 shots in regulation and another five in overtime, all of which were quality scoring chances.

"Everybody in the building knew if the game went into a shootout Ramapo would be victorious because of Boomhower," Barber said. "Carl's such a big part of our team, and he was just awesome. At the same time, I have to also give credit to the Jefferson players, especially Luke Combos. It seemed like he never left the ice. Their goaltender (Brad Odgers) also had a great game. Both teams had chances to put the game away before overtime, and in overtime both teams had close calls where the puck was the flirting with the goal line."

Jefferson jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 1:27 into the game. Raider Neal Addison tied the score late in the second period off a feed from Cory Sala, before Ramapo went to overtime for the second straight game.

Jefferson's goal ended way more than a winning season for the Raiders. Early on, Barber and assistant coach Tom Witterschein sensed they were a special group poised to accomplish special things.

"It took us all of one practice to realize the chemistry among the players was magical," Barber said.

While many teams ride their top players, Ramapo regularly rolled three lines. There were slick skating and high-scoring forwards, and there were grinders, but when everyone settled into their role they found a way to contribute. However, the intangible contributions of some were clearly apparent.

"I can't say enough about seniors Robbie Marra and Austin Johnson, both of whom simply refused to be outworked by anyone," Barber said. "Robbie and Austin are a coach's dream. Austin's leadership and his ability to keep players focused were remarkable.

"Austin, Robbie, and Jeremy Roberts led by example in practices by always working harder than they did the day before.  The locker room was Carl Boomhower's—just like the crease, he owned it.  We will truly miss contributions of the seniors, but the locker room was full of kids ready to rise up to that challenge next year."

Although devoid of a storybook ending, in many ways it was a dream season for the Raiders, led by a first-year coach who breathed new life into the program The team grew leaps and bounds from its 11-game winning streak during the season, and has become such a close-knit bunch they simply aren't ready to let go of the brotherhood they have forged.

At last word, the Raiders were looking for one slot of practice time so they could suit up as a unit, have some laughs, and say farewell on an upbeat note instead of a sad one. Although a state championship wasn't in the cards for the Raiders, they can take comfort in knowing they laid groundwork for the bright future of Ramapo's hockey program.

The competitive part of the schedule may be over, but the team's work isn't. Two important dates remain on their calendars, both fundraisers for Barber's 5-year-old daughter Kaiya, who suffers from cerebral palsy. The fourth annual Kaiya Cup, a friendly game with Indian Hills, will take place at the Ice Vault at 4:45 p.m. March 20, and Kaiyapalooza, a social event at 7 p.m. March 24 at Ramapo High School, will feature food, live entertainment, raffles and auctions.