2/28/2013 

In their first trip to the ACHA Regional Tournament in over 15 years, the Rockets took on the Hokies of Virginia Tech.  The invite to Regionals was a significant accomplishment for the Rockets and they looked to take full advantage of the opportunity.

As the game got underway Saturday night, the Rockets lived up to the stereotypical first year qualifier.  Too conservative and a bit nervous, the Rockets struggled to find their rhythm early.  After an early VT score on a goal-mouth scramble, both teams seamed to settle in and Rockets began to turn the momentum.

Trailing 1-0 to open the second, the Rockets began to pepper VT’s goalie with shots.  The constant pressure paid off as the Rockets tied the game midway through the period.  Garryt Kujawa earned the marker on assist from Brent Bain.  As the penalties began to pile up, both teams had great looks at the net.  Neither was able to capitalize though as both Craig Trego and the VT netminder made key stops.

Early in the third, the Rockets took their first lead of the game on a great shot from Bain.  The team was unable to avoid the penalty box though and late in the game, found themselves in a 5 v. 3 situation.  VT was able to capitalize tying the game at 2.  After one last breakaway attempt from the Rockets, the game remained 2-2 and headed to overtime.

The extra frame was played wide open.  Neither team held much back as they both went for it all in the win or go home situation.  Sadly, that same style that earned the Rockets numerous scoring opportunities would eventually lead to a 3 v. 1 rush that ended with a VT player putting a slapshot just past the ear of Trego and into the net.  Final score VT: 3, Toledo: 2. Just like that, the Rockets road to the national tournament came to an abrupt end.

While obviously disappointed in the end result, this year’s team took a significant step for the program simply by qualifying for the Regional Tournament.  They also have a chance to redeem themselves next weekend in the TSCHL playoffs where they will go in as the number one seed following their regular season championship.  The team will have a bye Friday night and will then play the lowest remaining seed Saturday night in Akron.