DFU Hockey: The end of an era: DFU Hockey make the semifinals

The glorious campaign that was spring term 2008 finally came to an end Thursday night, but like all true champions, DFU Hockey left the ice with honor, having fought hard to the very end against a strong opponent. In the end, the result of the do-or-die semifinals game against Misery Business was a loss, but by the very respectable scoreline of 6-2.

Which is truly astonishing when you think back to the old days of DFU Hockey when simply scoring a goal, or losing by single digits was a major achievement. On Thursday, in the playoffs no less, they not only scored twice, but also held scoreless for extremely long stretches a team that in years past would skated circles around the DFU.

In doing so, they produced a result that actually sounds like a real hockey score. Genuine hockey teams in actual leagues could very easily lose a game 6-2. And what's more, the other semifinals game was actually a worse beating, as the other loser was defeated 8-1. Think about that: DFU Hockey not only made the playoffs but wasn't even the team made most to look like they didn't belong.

It was a true team effort, with a number of fantastic saves from Jamie Berk, some excellent defensive work from Kathryn, some great offensive passes from Cbrandt, some truly inspired stick-work from the new (Physics) Dave, a number of breakaways from Mainieros, a donation of tape from Scott in order to help Caroline keeps her knee-pads on, and a guest appearance from Brian and Beth that was crucial to helping the DFU fulfill its female quota.

This reporter is proud to have filmed one video which truly demonstrates the Herculean effort put forth by the DFU, with attack efforts, great defensive stops, saves from Jamie (and which also shows how good the opposition was):

More video and pictures can be seen at the bottom, after the full match report from Captain Kernoff:

Well everyone, I am proud to inform you that played our final game of the season (and my [legal] career) of DFU HOCKEY!!!!!!!

The game was a score of 6-2, but I am very proud to say we put up an EXTREMELY good fight against what I'd call an exceptionally strong team (their girls were all REALLY good, and their guys had all clearly played in high school - they like, all haad their own skates and colored socks and stuff.

Thanks go out to everyone who showed up and played and evyerone who supported the team, even to those who did not play. To those who supported the team in spirit we thank you.

Especially memorable was the 15-20 minute defensive wall like plays, especially by our 3 women who played THE ENTIRE GAME WITH NO BREAK, and Jamie put up one hell of a defense against a storm of shots. We managed to hold them to only 6 goals (very few, in comparison to the double-digit levels we've seen in the past AND the scores this team has had vs. other teams this season).

Special thanks to cbrandt for showing up with 1 second before the game started (quite literally) and saving the team from having to forfiet. Very strong move. especially considering she didn't wear gloves. not quite a strong move. when pucks hit you in the hands w/out gloves it hurts. badly.

Also exciting was in the final momements of the game as the clock wound down, with a score of 6-1, we managed a breakaway and scored the final goal of the game with only 10 seconds left on the clock.

Some other highlights:
1. multiple very hard hits - helments knocked off, a stick thrown across the ice, and one stick literally CRUSHED IN HALF

2. great defense. very great defense. jamie yelled a lot... i think it was encouragmenet though, i couldn't hear most of it. good goaltending though jamie...

3. some good offensive plays, against a very fast and physical defensive line...

Anyway, this DFU Hockey season, and I'd say our most successful yet, comes to a pretty good close, we had a good run... semis in a league of 30 moosilauke teams (many, i'd say, illegitimately) is nothintg to squawk at.... good work