And just like that, the 2015-2016 season has come to an end.  The boys finished the regular season with a 14-7-1 record (wlt) which was not enough for an autobid to Nationals, but was just enough to get them to Regionals for a chance to earn the bid themselves.  Defeating the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown and Neumann College got them just that.  The Stags were then placed as the #4 seed in pool D along with Colorado State, the University of Tampa, and Aquinas College.  This would be the second National tournament for the Stags in two seasons, with captain Brendan O'Malley leading the way both times.  With your drive and perseverance, Fairfield Club Hockey has changed drastically since your start in 2010, and has truly stepped it up and become what it is today because of it.

The Stags headed off to Grand Rapids, Michigan ready to give it their all.  Their first game was scheduled on Tuesday afternoon vs. the #1 seed in their pool- Colorado State.  Trailing 2-0 in the second into the third, it seemed like the underdogs wouldn't get their way this time.  But, a bullet shot by sophomore Patrick Lawler got the boys back in the game just in time.  With just three minutes remaining, the comeback began.  A minute later, junior Matthew Peacock scored the second for the Stags, thus tying it up.  The Stags entered OT against Colorado State, but there was no winner.  Both teams earned a point, and the Stags left the ice ready to prove more people wrong.  

The second game was held Wednesday vs. #2-University of Tampa.  This time, no nail-biting comeback was necessary.  In the first period, freshman Chris Quinn scored the first for the Stags.  Soon after, however, Tampa tied it up and even had a 2-1 lead over the Stags in the second.  Not for long, though.  Sophomore Scott Kohlhepp got the Stags back in the game, and senior Jeff Gaita sealed the deal putting the Stags up 3-2 to end the second.  An empty-netter by junior Cormac Kennedy gave the Stags a 4-2 win, their first Nationals win ever.  This win gave the Stags their third point of the tournament.

The third game became the deciding-factor of which team would represent pool D in the semi-finals: (#3)Aquinas, with 4 tourney points, or Fairfield, with 3.  The play was back and forth in the first period with the Stags going up first thanks to a goal by freshman Kyle Marano.  Although Aquinas soon tied it up, another goal by sophomore Pat Lawler let the Stags lead to head into the second period.  Aquinas tied it up again, and we entered the third with a score of 2-2.  Unfortunately, Aquinas was able to get one in with 2:35 remaining in the game, thus earning their ticket to Friday's semi-final game.

The Stags finished the tournament with 3 total points, which is 2 more than they earned last year.  They certainly shocked the annoucers and some fans with their high level of play, and they're ready to prove themselves even more next season.  They showed amazing play and unreal teamwork during the National tournament, and with backbone Pete Alevras playing so strongly in net, things are only looking up for next year.

The team would like to say goodbye and thank you to their seniors: Glenn LaFountain(A), Matt Engel(A), Ralph DiSpigna, Jeff Gaita, and Christian Habberstad. And to senior captains Billy Kamenides and Brendan O'Malley; your leadership certainly proved immeasurable these past few years, thank you.  Good luck to all of you!

We would also like to thank Coach Mike Silva, and of course, our fans for all of their love and support throughout the season.  You guys are unreal and we couldn't get this far without you.

Although the season has come to an end, don't forget about your All-Stars taking on the ACHA Challenge in early April, and be sure to stay tuned for updates about next season.  Go Stags!!