George Gwozdecky took on the Valor Christian hockey plan in 2015 intent by turning a non profit team into a Colorado high school division.
Five years later, Gwozdecky, the former longtime University of Denver coach and winner of consecutive NCAA titles (2004-05), has fulfilled his mission and also added a new line for his long coaching resume: 2020 CHSAA hockey state champion.
“From a couple of years back when hockey was unofficially dropped from Valorinto this point where today we won a state name, I’m quite proud Gwozdecky said. “It’so great to be able to bring a trophy like that right back to your faculty. ”
No. 1 Valor Christian defeated No. 3 Fort Collins 1-0 on a goal by forward Evan Pahos at a five-overtime thriller to the state championship Tuesday night at Pepsi Center. It was an effect for shedding goaltender Sam Simon, who had a remarkable 84 saves on the evening.
Call it salvation to an Eagles team that dropped final just two years back. The Valor hockey program (20-2-1) today combines the faculty ’s growing list of athletic high achievers.
The name game was a clinic on goaltending excellence from both colleges, going scoreless through regulation and four sudden death periods. Simon faced an onslaught of Valor offense and couldn’t be beaten. Even his native goaltender, Valor senior Trey Hirschfield, gave due respect to Simon. Hirschfield mentioned: “That was among the greatest matches I’t seen a goalie playwith. ”
Hirschfield was equally impressive, but confronted far less stress, which makes 36 saves in a win. Valor failed about five power-play opportunities along with the Lambkins failed to convert two opportunities. And, being the match drug to a hour, players have been clearly gassed.
“Gatorades, oranges and things like this, we ran following the first time,” Gwozdecky said. “The biggest concern was when we had sufficient to continue. You’re beginning to reduce your shifts shorter and the guys on the ice have started to pace themselves. The sport slowed down. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before someone was going to make a mistake get the most out of it. ”
Additional Pahos: “Some of those guys were cramping up and we all had a lot of knife replacements; a number of them broke and a few of them dropped their edges. It was really draining on us. We’re all so relieved to finally be carried out. It took everything out of us. ”
The dam finally broke at the 2:12 mark of the fifth , switched to four-on-four play, when Pahos snuck the puck past Simon’s left leg pad unassisted to the winner. Pahos distinguished by throwing his gloves and stick into the atmosphere before getting mobbed by teammates on the ice.
For Gwozdecky, this championship feeling gets old.
“It’s fun to see the kids — whether they’re at high school, college or the experts — celebrate and feel good about their achievement,” Gwozdecky said. “I’m quite proud of those guys. ”
Here's the purpose that won the name for Valor Christian from the fifth OT! #copreps pic.twitter.com/lmpTKFD0FZ
— Colorado HS Hockey (@ColoHSHockey) March 11, 2020
Article Source and Credit feeds.denverpost.com //feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-sports/~3/_fv5OpU9G1U/ Buy Tickets for every event – Sports, Concerts, Festivals and more buytickets.com