CBA 3, Delbarton 2 (2001)

Christian Brothers 3, Delbarton 2 (Shootout)
03/01/2001 - Parochial Semifinal

It was appropriately dubbed, 'Shootout Surprise' and for good reason.

Christian Brothers entered the contest ranked No. 8 in The Star-Ledger Top 20 and Delbarton entered at No. 1. It marked the first shootout to take place in a state semifinal or final since the NJSIAA  instituted an ice hockey tournament in 1976. The game took place at Mennen before a nice crowd of 1,300.

CBA stunned its favored opponent by tying the game, 2-2, with 1:48 left in regulation. Senior Steve Burton drew two defenders to him behind the net before sliding a pass to linemate Nick Sarnatora. Sarnatora then beat Delby goalie Ross Cherry for the equalizer.

Delbarton almost ended the contest with just 51 seconds left in the third when senior winger Bobby Walter rang a 12-footer off the crossbar. The final minute of the game was as frenetic a finish as you will ever see. The pace was incredible and both teams, to their credit, played with extreme poise and determination despite the intense pressure. CBA goalie Matt Feldman, who finished with 29 saves, stopped Dale Reinhardt and Pat Ryan in the final 1:30 of OT to keep the game tied.

In the shootout, Tom Cimochowski scored the clincher. The senior forward cruised down the slot before snapping a low shot between the pads of Cherry (27 saves). Cherry got a piece of the puck with his left skate, but the puck slid over the goal line to give CBA a 3-2 edge in the shootout. Cimochowski's winning score was captured by Star-Ledger photographer William Perlman, who did a wonderful job in anticipating and flashing-away on the deciding tally.

The loss was the first for Delbarton against a New Jersey opponent that entire season. Chip Campbell had both goals for Delbarton.

QUOTABLES
"I never thought it would come down to me but it did. I came through and I'm really happy. It's an indescribable feeling," CBA forward Tom Cimochowski.

"It was a game of missed opportunities on our part. We had quality scoring chances but couldn't bury the puck. The kids played hard but we just didn't do a good job getting the puck to the net. Our game is premised on handling the puck, recognizing and exploiting the opposing defense. But CBA played a great defensive game. They showed a lot of desire and passion and put themselves in a position to win the hockey game," Delbarton coach Brian Day.