Blair hockey clinches playoff berth with win over Blake

Rockville Ice Arena, Feb. 8-–

The Blair hockey team (6-4-1) thrashed the Blake Bengals (4-7) 8-0, asserting their offensive and defensive dominance throughout the game and clinching a playoff berth on Feb.8.

Once the game started, it didn't take long for momentum to swing Blair's way as sophomore co-captain Max Kronstadt scored a goal in the first minute of the game. Less than a minute later, fellow sophomore co-captain Sebastian Rubinstein scored another goal to put Blair up 2-0 within the first four minutes of the game. "We came into the game just wanting to get pucks in the net early in the game," Kronstadt said.

The intensity of the start was never lost throughout the game. The Blazers were up 4-0 by the end of the first period, 6-0 by the end of the second and finally closed out the game with an eight point advantage. By the end of the game, both Rubinstein and Kronstadt had hat tricks and lead the team in overall points.

The Bengals tried multiple times to comeback, but the team was constantly marred by penalties and spent a large amount of the game down a player. Even though officials played a larger part of the game than in others, both players and coaches alike agree with the calls. "It can get out of hand real quick if the refs aren't making calls," Rubinstein said.

Head coach Kevin McCabe agreed with the Rubinstein's statement claiming that the penalties were necessary so players could understand that the officials wouldn't take any cheap shots. Regardless of officiating, a stellar Blair defense, lead by multiple clutch saves by senior goalie Michel Devynck ensured that the Bengals wouldn't be able to mount a comeback.

McCabe was excited with the win on Blair's senior night. "We knew we needed to get traffic in front of the net to score and we did just that," McCabe said. "I always have my seniors end their last [regular season] game on the ice, and it's great that they could win."
With the win, the Blazers were able to secure a spot in the playoffs. "It feels great to get in the playoffs and regardless of whether we win or lose, I'm glad we're here," Rubinstein said.

Come out and support Blair Hockey as they take on number one seed and defending state champions Washington County on February 14.