The Montclair High School Hockey team had an improved season from last winter. Overall, the team finished with a record of 8-11 and a 4-8 record in the NJIIHL. In comparison with a tough season last year, the program ended the season with four more wins under head coach, Connor Smith.

When Montclair Sports Network’s Logan Brown spoke to Coach Smith earlier in the season, he stated, “We are not trying to look too far ahead. We are just trying to be better.” This statement came after a troubling first loss to Frisch and that losing streak continued for two more games against Verona and Nutley.

However, after that point, the tides turned with a three-game Montclair winning streak. During the streak, MHS outscored their opponents 14-4. This stretch included two shutout wins against Newton-Lenape Valley and Arthur L. Johnson High School.

In January, the team struggled early, dropping four games in a row to MKA, Tenafly, Cranford, and Frish. After those losses came a bounce-back 1-0 victory at home against Nutley on January 27th. This win ended the season series between the towns at one game apiece as Nutley defeated Montclair earlier in the season.

The final game of the season was a Kelly Cup Quarterfinal matchup between the Mounties and the Oratory Prep Rams. The Rams started off on fire with 2 goals in the first period but that did not stop Montclair’s momentum late as they evened up the score in the 3rd period. Unfortunately, the game ended brutally for Montclair as they gave up a game-winning goal in overtime and the game ended with a 3-2 final score.

Even with the poor end for the team this season, there are still many positives to look back on for the Mounties.

Firstly, Coach Smith helped double the team’s win total from last season and moved them closer to more winning ways. Senior Miles Fletcher led the team this winter with 7 goals and 4 assists. In addition, senior Luc Callahan finished the season scoring 4 goals and an assist.

Looking ahead to next season, the team only loses three seniors in Fletcher, Callahan, and Evan Baxter.

While these three players made a phenomenal impact on the team’s success this year, it will be exciting to see the younger core of players develop as they get ready to compete once again next season.