New York, NY -- The 1997-1998 NYU ice hockey season came to a close, one game sooner than the team had hoped. The Violets just missed the playoffs Sunday night, a devistating blow. That playoff spot was very much within their reach when it was snatched away by Fordham University's win over County College of Morris that same night. The real question was not whether NYU would beat Stonybrook, but rather, whether Fordham would lose, giving the Violets that postseason slot. Events on Sunday crushed everyone's hopes. But, there are still a few things to say about the NYU hockey team's fighting comeback this season.
"Almost" is never good enough for any team, but after looking back on such a bumpy season, it wasn't so much about winning after all. Last year's disastrous season left few remaining players and no coach. To get from that dismal season to one small point away from postseason play is beyond a magical "Cinderella" story.
After a shaky first half of the season with only a handful of returning players, new team members who had never worked with each other before and a new coaching staff, there were bound to be problems. It took a while to get all the components together, but the Violets eventually did. When the second half of the season rolled around, things started looking better.
One very significant second semester surprise and secret weapon took the form of new goaltender Freddie Kaufmann. Providing the necessary spark as the team's fiercely defiant goalie, Kaufmann helped to revive a struggling team, putting a solid effort into every game. He was known for occasionally shocking people with his rebellious, physical performances.
Beyond the net, it was the hard playing, rough-housing offensive and defensive units that, in turn, helped make Kaufmann's job just a little bit easier.
Prentiss Noyes, the forward with the deadly slapshot, played tremendous offensive hockey as well as the authoritative defenseman. Sophomore Sara Smith managed to hold her own on the ice, keeping her scoring streaks alive and finding her way to the net at each game. Under defenseman Jon Hsia's watchful eye, Gerry Milligan and Freshman Jeremry Steinhaus constantly stepped up with a force all season. Right winger and assistant captain Tom Capotosta was relentless all year, carving pathways between players with boundless energy on the ice. And, without fail all season, team captain Paul Leakas displayed the leadership and persistence that steadily encouraged all. many more rightfully earned their place on this winning team, such as Juniors Chad Urmston and Sean Mahoney. But most notable, no doubt, is top scorer and center Kirk Shimizuishi. Leading the team in points with a scoring streak that lasted, incredibly enough, all season, Shimizuishi's fluid skating style and constant determination helped to carry the team this far.
Looking back on this crazy season, Violet team captain Paul Leakas had nothing but encouragement and praise for his fellow teammates.
"This year's team has stressed unity and teamwork, which has proved successful in the second half of the season," he said. "We had many adversities first semester, but we pulled together as a team to produce a winning second half. We have a great new crew this year, and the fact that all the players will be returning next season will provide a conhesive unit that I believe will bring back the league title to NYU."