Beaver Area hockey lost their season’s final matchup against Blackhawk February 25; the final score was 4-1. The goal was netted by right wing sophomore Austin McElwain.

“It felt good to score in the last game of the season, especially since it was against Blackhawk,” stated McElwain.

The game was a tie-breaker to determine who would advance to post-season play and who put away their skates. In the past, such ties were broken based on a team’s penalty minutes for the season. But the PIHL abandoned that rule in favor of a showdown on the ice between the Bobcats and Cougars.

This was a tough season for these players, but they kept their helmets held high and skated through every challenge and obstacle. The Bobcat players wished they had a couple more wins under their belt this season, only coming out with three wins to finish 3-15-0.

“Even though we only won a couple games I still enjoyed playing with theses guys. It’s hard to believe that my career as a Bobcat hockey player is over, but I can see the team going in the right direction to start getting more wins [next season],” said senior defenseman Jeremy Jenkins.

Part of the Bobcats’ challenge against the Cougars was taking the ice without key players.

Senior Garrett McElwain was suspended for two games as a Bobcat because of a fight in the game against Freeport February 14. Junior Connor Hartman had to sit the bench yet again because of a possible concussion. And freshman John Diogaurdi was unable to play in the game because of illness.

Jenkins wasn’t eligible to play in this tie breaker game either because, according to PIHL rules, he had played in too few regular season games to play in the postseason. Jenkins joined the Bobcat squad late in the season because of travel team commitments.

“I will miss playing with all the guys on the team this year, but I’m also really excited to see what is going to happen next year. We have a few eighth graders who have been practicing with us that show some good potential,” said Hartman.

Here’s hoping that next season’s hockey ‘Cats get a record more fitting their dedication and determination.