It was another loss for the Rockets against a top team in MCPS.
The Rockets suffered a 6-0 loss to the hands of the Churchill Bulldogs at the Cabin John Ice Rink Friday and are now 1-3 in their last four games.
“I don’t think we played awful,” senior Assistant Captain Jack Evans said. “I think we came out a little scared to begin with and that’s why we played flat-footed. It impacted our ability to win.”
Evans won two faceoffs in the first period that provided freshman Henry Yang two good opportunities on goal. After being leveled twice by Churchill defensemen, Yang showed his grit by pushing through and getting shots on net. However, a couple of big hits gave the Bulldogs momentum and offensive chances.
Late in the first period, the pressure became too great for the Rockets and Churchill’s William Stanish was able to net a rebound. Despite the goal, RM senior goaltender Henry Darko kept the Rockets in the game early, making several crucial saves. Churchill’s physicality and speed gave the Rockets problems on offense, and the puck was in the RM defensive zone for most of the game.
“I believe that Henry is the best goalie in the league,” senior forward John Yang said. “He is the heart of the team.”
In the second period, the Rockets were rewarded with a power play in the first 40 seconds but were unable to capitalize. This gave the Bulldogs energy leading to goals by Matthew Kim and Qin Lai.
The Rockets could not survive the continuous barrage and Churchill’s Zachary Silver netted two goals in a three-goal period for the Bulldogs. The Rockets were also outshot 50-11. With two more games in the regular season (Churchill’s second varsity team on Jan. 10 and Sherwood for senior night on Jan. 26) the Rockets will have opportunities to improve their record before playoffs.
Despite their recent skid, the Rockets currently play the likes of RAM (Rockville and Magruder) or the combined team of Northwest/QO in the playoffs, both teams that they have beaten this year in regular season play. If the Rockets can win in the first and second rounds of the playoffs, they can make an appearance in the State Playoffs, where they will likely face teams from the Eastern region.
Although the game against Churchill didn’t finish in favor of the Rockets, they have two winnable games to improve their standing and make a playoff push.
“We [have] got to start playing more as a team and gaining momentum,” senior defenseman Nathan Lynch said. “We need to work harder.”
