Blue Devils lose in semi's

For the first time in the team's history, the Brockport Blue Devils ice hockey team advanced to the state semi-finals, but the good news would end there. Playing Williamsville North, who lost in the state final one year ago, Brockport gave up four first period goals and could not recover losing 8-0.

The Spartans scored twice in the first two minutes of the game and two of their first four came on breakaways. The Blue Devils managed just one shot on goal on a dump-in in the first period and didn't get their second until midway through the second period as Williamsville North used their speed advantage to keep the pressure in the Brockport zone.

"They are a good team with a lot of speed and they showed us what it takes to win when you get to the state tournament," said Brockport head coach Scott Empey after the game. "We had three times the crowd that they did and they tried to get the team going when we were down - I'd like to say thanks to them for supporting us this season. I'm proud of this team and how far they came this year. We're losing some great seniors, but hopefully the underclassmen can continue what we have going next season."

Jimmy Baker, Jason Hage, Pat McCarthy, Rich Napierala, Matt Sweeting and Nick Unger all graduate from the Blue Devils squad. Williamsville North went on to win the State Class A title with a 3-2 win over West Genesee in the title game.