This past weekend marked the last game for the Montclair State Red Hawks’ 2008-2009 season.  The Hawks faced off against familiar foe CCSU in the opening game of the 2009 Super East Playoffs.  After missing the playoffs last year, the team was looking to make an impact at the tournament, but unfortunately was eliminated as Central Connecticut won, 6-2. 

In addition to reaching the Super East playoffs this year, the Red Hawks earned numerous other awards.  Doug Kubek achieved a spot on the First All-SECHL team, and Sean Guenther and J.T. Baxter made Third Team.  Charlie Kemmlein received an Honorable Mention, and Tyler Timek made the All-Rookie Team.  Multiple players also made the Super East All Academic Team: Kevin Craig, Ian Crane, Joe Fede, Kevin Fox, Paul Kusik, and Eric Zullo. 

This April, Montclair will send three players to play on the Super East All Star Team in West Chester, Pennsylvania: Kubek, Guenther, and Baxter.  Six Red Hawks were in the top twenty in scoring: Brian Waitt, Mike Bowser, Doug Kubek, J.T. Baxter, Sean Guenther, and Tyler Timek, with Baxter, Guenther and Timek in the top ten.  

Unfortunately, this season marked the last for Captain Sean Guenther and forward Kevin Craig.  After missing last season, Craig returned to the Hawks for his senior year.  “This year has been a great experience, I’m glad I came back.  We had a good run this year, and hopefully next year they can win it all.”  Second-year Captain Sean Guenther spent his fifth and final season with MSU.  "I can’t believe that it is finally over. Five years go by so fast.  I would not have wanted to play on a team with any other guys than the ones that have been a part of this program the last two seasons.  We were a family from Day 1 and nothing ever changed.  I am extremely proud to be a part of this team and excited to say that they have such a bright future ahead of them.” 

The future of Montclair Hockey is looking bright.  Numerous freshmen were incorporated into this year’s team, and their impact was obvious within the first few games this year.  However, they not only melded well on the ice, but off the ice as well.  SECHL All-Rookie Tyler Timek said, “As the team grew and progressed we became a family.  We took every win and loss as a team.  ‘Team, Teammates, Self’ explains our team perfectly.” 

Besides nearly clinching a berth to Nationals before an OT loss to BC, playing in the Super East Playoffs, and numerous individual awards, the Red Hawks have continued to grow.  Their popularity on campus and game attendance exceeded even last year’s record setting numbers.  Assistant Captain Zach Lancaster remarked, “We continued our growth towards becoming the most significant and successful team on campus. Our family bond has continued to grow, and although Sean and Craig will be missed next season, it is very promising that we will be returning nearly a full roster. The buzz around our team coming into this season will be even stronger next year.”   

Although the season is just barely over, the team is already thinking about next year.  Defenseman Eric Zullo remarked,  “It didn’t end exactly the way we planned but overall we had a great season and a lot of fun.  We will miss our seniors but it is now time to start training for next season so we can further our team and get to where we want to be.  I look forward to playing with the boys again soon.”  While happy with the successes the team had this year, Coach Elias is already looking to the next.  “Instead of being a game away from Nationals this season we were a goal away. While its heartbreaking it's obvious we are taking steps in the right direction.  Next season we are going to have to really focus on our goals and work even harder if we want to accomplish them.  We aren't going to allow too many excuses when it comes to meeting our full potential. We have gained the experience necessary to become recognized on a national stage and its time to execute.”