The Omaha Jr. Lancers and their Blair defensemen, Will Volenec and Hudson Dilworth, are national champions.
And, fittingly, the Zam Driver Turned Writer column finally brings some hockey content to the table. I was at Ralston Arena on Monday morning as the Jr. Lancers faced California's Capistrano Coyotes for the Division II USA Hockey High School National Championship.
I'll admit, it looked rotten for the hometown team early.
Capistrano built a 3-0 lead during the 17-minute first period before Omaha battled back, forced overtime and won it on Trey Carlson's goal just 2:23 into the extra session. A “Miracle on Ice” type celebration followed, with helmets and hockey sticks flying.
It was an breathtaking experience for both Volenec and Dilworth, who've skated their whole lives.
“It felt great to be able to come to nationals and win in front of a great, big home crowd,” said Volenec, a towering Creighton Prep senior. “It's just unbelievable. I just can't believe it.”
Dilworth, a Blair High School sophomore, echoed the sentiment.
“The atmosphere was amazing,” he said. “It feels amazing to win, coming back from down 3-to-nothing.”
Omaha didn't get to play the championship final in the main arena, but it preferred it that way, facing the Coyotes on their home ice — the community sheet at Ralston Arena with their logo under a few inches of frozen water. The smaller, intimate setting remained loud throughout with a crowd that filled the stands and wrapped around the boards from bench-to-bench.
The Jr. Lancers' comeback began with Carlson's goal just 36 into the second period. About 15 minutes later, Timothy Johnson pulled Omaha within 3-2 before Capistrano issued an immediate response, scoring just 1:04 before another break.
The Jr. Lancers trailed 4-2 going into the third period, but with power play time intact. Sure enough, Karl Grafelman used his team's advantage and scored a goal just 55 seconds into the final 17 minutes on a clean sheet of ice — thanks to the Zamboni driver I might add.
Ahead by one goal, the Coyotes had their own power play blow up in their faces as Omaha's Connor Szolek stole the puck off the California goalie's stick and scored a shorthanded equalizer.
Volenec let loose a few long shots on goal during the final minutes of regulation, but it took the OT score to deliver the national title celebration. The Jr. Lancers received medals and a golden plate for their efforts.
It was a career accomplishment for both Blair players. Dilworth, the BHS 10th-grader, had worked toward Monday's result for as long as he can remember.
“I think I started playing since I could walk,” he said. “I've been skating since I was one. Played hockey my whole life.”
Volenec had some stops and starts in the early going, but he's finishing out high school on top.
“My dad had me on skates at 2 and my mom made him stop,” he said, cracking a smile. “Then I got back on skates at 4 and I've been playing ever since.”
Now, both Volenec and Dilworth are national champions.
“It's a huge accomplishment,” the elder Blair defensemen said. “Just speechless.”
Note: Arlington sophomore Paul Spence deserves mention, too. He's a Jr. Lancers roster member, though he did not appear in Monday's title game according to USA Hockey statistics.
