For St. Mary's Gaels, hockey is not just an exciting game, it is a longstanding tradition. This tradition was seriously challenged at the New York State playoffs recently. The Gaels (28-6-3) added two games to their 40-game winning streak in the state playoffs by defeating Niagara Wheatfield (9-2 and Clarence (5-1), but then lost to North Tonawanda (1-3) in pool games.

As the second-place team in their division, St. Mary's played St. Anthony's (Suffolk Champs) in the semifinals. With St. Anthony's leading 2-0 at the end of the first period, St. Mary's finally opened up with goals from Robert Carbone and Captain Steve Pfeiffer to tie the game. With eight minutes to go in the game, Robert Carbone scored the winning goal.

After a scoreless first period in the finals against Lancaster, Robert Carbone, who scored six goals in the tournament, Peter Kaliscik and Mike Kavanagh each scored a goal in the second period. Chris Corso closed the door with an empty-net goal giving St. Mary's its sixth straight New York State Championship and the ninth in 10 years.

Both coaches Henry Lazar and Joe Coiro were quick in praising goalie Josh Roarke who played a pivotal role in the finals. For seniors Dan Doremus, Steve Pfeiffer and M.J. Errante, this was their fourth State Championship at St. Mary's.