West Chester, PA- The Eastern Mass Senators fell to Selects Academy in the semifinal round of the 2018 USA Hockey 18-and-under Tier 1 National Championships to conclude a season for the ages.

Despite winning the Mass Selects League title, the Senators fell in the semifinals of the Massachusetts State Tournament. However, thanks to a stellar record against the some of the top 18U teams in the country, the team earned an at-large bid to compete for the grand prize.

The Senators hit a road block in their opening contest and despite goals from Vilho Saariluoma, Ryan Black, Michael Outzen, and Patrick Borella, fell to Shattuck St. Marys.

The following day, the Senators ached for redemption against the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. Cameron Gendron drew first blood with an assist from Michael Outzen early in the second period, but the Ducks tied the game in the opening minutes of the final frame. Anaheim took the lead later in the period, but Outzen lit the lamp with an unassisted tally with 1:46 remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. Patrick Borella ended the game just 49 seconds into the extra session with a goal from Sarriluoma and Matt Guerra.

On Saturday, the Senators needed a win against perennial powerhouse Mid-Fairfield to advance, and proved their worthiness in a big way. Michael Outzen netted four goals and an assist to lead the way while Nolan McElhaney chipped in two goals of his own. Ryan Black, Cameron Gendron, and Matt Guerra each recorded three assists in the 9-3 win.

Up next for the Senators was Culver Military Academy, the nation’s top-ranked team in the regular season. Culver held a 2-0 lead after the opening minute of the third period, but Ryan Black, Mathew Rickard, and Vilho Saariluoma rattled off goals in a five-minute span that gave the Senators a 3-2 lead. Culver tied the game with 4:41 remaining, but Matt Guerra tallied with 33 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Senators the win.

The win against Culver set up the match with Selects Academy, but the hopes for an all-Mass Selects final were dashed.

The Mass Selects League extends its congratulations to the Eastern Mass Senators on an excellent season.