The varsity boys hockey team this year has continuously worked hard, facing off against the best teams in the state. It has been a great reminder of the 2017 season in which Pelham took the state title. It was a hard run to get the best in the section and region. Now they have their eye on the prize: the state championship.

With a standing of 14-2-2, they won the league facing key opponents and defeating each in spectacular fashion.

One key match was Skaneateles. Pelham rode up to Buffalo to defeat them 5 -3 in a high climax match between two top competitors, and ending Skaneateles’ 65-game undefeated streak.

Another key game was against Suffern. Suffern had been ranked higher than Pelham at the time, but were defeated by the Pelicans in very close game. They were down 3-1 at the beginning of the third period. They scored three unanswered goals winning the game 4-3. This game was the key to getting to the regional game. They headed into the playoffs with three straight wins before the regional game. They won the section against John Jay 9-1 in a blowout for the section title.

Goalie Jack Mallison, a junior, said, “It was a huge team win. We’ve been training all year for the playoffs and to go to states after a game like that is great.”

During the regionals game in Plattsberg, NY, Pelham won 8-3. Sophomore Griffin Evans had stellar plays resulting in two goals and three assists against Beekman. Junior Louie Marcellino was on fire, scoring two times against the section 7 team, while junior Jack Mallison successfully saved twelve shots proving that the team is more than qualified for states. They will go against Queensbury in Buffalo for the state semifinal.

Junior Angus Deeny, defenseman, said, “Winning the regional game was expected, we deserve to be where we are and can’t wait to go to Buffalo to compete.”

They defeated John Jay-Cross River with a score of 8 – 1 in the final game. Goals were scored by Junior Louie Marcelino (4), Senior Ben Rosenberg (2), Junior Eric Elbery (1), and Sophomore Griffin Evans (1).

Junior Capitan Luke Green says, “With a group of guys like this it’s no surprise we did what we did, we are like a family and I can’t imagine playing without even one of these guys. I love this team and I can’t wait for states, it’s a dream come true.”