St. Mary's Gaels Varsity Hockey Team captured the Long Island bragging rights for the seventh year in a row recently by defeating the Suffolk League Chapters and previously undefeated St. Anthony's 5-1 in a recent game at Iceworks. The team now prepares for the New York State High School Championships to be held in Rochester March 15-17. The Gaels will be shooting for their seventh State Title in eight years.

In the St. Anthony's game the offense was provided by Billy Murray, who had the first two Gaels goals. Matt Gilroy and Phil Taglia assisted on both goals. Freshman Richie Purslow added a goal on assists from Dan Doremus and Jason DeLuca. The last goal was scored by DeLuca on an assist from Purslow making it 5-1. The defense did an outstanding job and freshman goalie Josh Rourke stopped 23 of the 24 shots.

The Gaels' remaining games are against LaSalle Academy, PA and Christ the King HS from Queens. The team has gone 23-1-1 through the first 25 games this year. The only loss was a 5-3 decision to Westchester back in October - a team the Gaels later defeated 11-1. Big wins against the Seacoast Kings and Brunswick Prep from Connecticut, Malverne Prep and Wyoming Prep from Pennsylvania. Bergen Catholic, Princeton Prep and Hudson Catholic from New Jersey, as well as Nassau County Vytra All-Stars and the Suffolk Champs, St. Anthony's, highlighted the season.

This year's offense has been led by Ryan Cruthers, Jim Gehring, Andy Gartman and Purslow. Mike Collette, DeLuca, Murray, Taglia, Gilroy and Doremus have also contributed big time. The foot soldiers A.J. Ajudua, Steve Pfeiffer and Ryan Condon have also done the job when called upon. The defense was led by Brian Dobler and Pat Oliveto. Joe Leone, Steve Rios, Chris Schultz and M.J. Errante have been solid for defensive coach A.J. Palkovich. In goal, Rourke has played very well and will lead the team for the next three years. Matt Perullo also played very well in goal and had two shutouts.

"With a few more practices the team will be well primed for the State Playoffs," stated 11-year Coach Henry Lazar. St. Mary's is seeded #1 for the States. Other team information and personal stats can be found on the Gaels' website: www.stmaryshockey.com.