MANCHESTER, N.H. — With the program's first state championship within reach, it was Timberlane's version of the Big 3 which stepped up to clinch the title.
Ryan Rothwell sent the game into overtime with a highlight-reel save with just one second left in regulation, and star forwards Nick Bundzinski and Trevor DeVitto combined for the winning goal in the extra session as the three stalwarts brought home the crown.
"This means so much to us," said Bundzinski. "Me, Trevor and Rothwell really turned the program around with (head coach Andrew) Merrick. We are a tight-knit group, and to win a title with these guys is just unbelievable."
When the three entered the program, the Owls were coming off a 5-16 season. Soon after, Rothwell found his way into the starting lineup and Bundzinski and DeVitto were in the rotation at forward.
And the rest has, literally, been history.
"I got started with them when they were freshmen," said the fourth-year coach. "They have been such a huge part of this turnaround. This is what great players do in big games. Especially Rothwell, who played so well today."
The frustration was clear on Rothwell after the semifinals. Timberlane had won, but he had tied his season-worst for goals allowed in a game with four. There was no chance the slump was continuing into the finals.
"I knew I had to step it up tonight, and I did," said Rothwell. "I knew I wasn't playing so well, but I came out like a new man tonight."
In the final game of his high school career, the senior netminder made a whopping 34 saves. Many were not easy, as the Owls surrendered six power-plays. No stop was bigger than in the final second of the third period, just after Oyster River had scored on a 6-on-3 advantage.
"It was a little bit of a breakdown on our side," said Rothwell. "The kid hand-cuffed me, but I came up with a glove save. I'm there for the guys."
Rothwell's teammates had plenty of confidence in their keeper, a returning Eagle-Tribune All-Star with a puny 0.88 goals-against-average in the regular season. That goals-against-average was nearly a full goal lower than the No. 2 keeper's (Oyster River's Chris Butterfield, 1.81).
"We knew he was going to pick it up in this game," said Bundzinski. "He won us 17 games in the regular season, and that one (Division 2) loss wasn't his fault. He has been there for us for so long. He was huge in overtime."
David Evans started the scoring last night, but it was Bundzinski and DeVitto who, appropriately, finished it off. With 11:17 left in the second, Bundzinski set DeVitto up for the goal that gave the Owls a 2-0 lead. Then, in overtime, DeVitto won the game off a Bundzinski rebound.
"I just can't believe I scored the winning goal," said DeVitto. "I saw Bundi going towards the net and shoot it and I just went for the rebound. It was just awesome."
It was only appropriate it would be those two who ended the run. After all, DeVitto led the Owls in goals (22) and points (48) this season, while Bundzinski (21-26—47), finished one behind in each category. Both four-year varsity lettermen, Bunzinski finished his career with 124 points (65 goals, 59 assists) and DeVitto closed out his career with 95 points (37 goals, 58 assists).
"The three of us have been together for so long," said DeVitto. "This is what we dreamed of. This is all we wanted for so long, and we were able to make it happen. I love these guys and I love this team."
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