After a 7-1 victory over fourteen seed Mountain Vista, the Fort Collins hockey season came to an end on February 23 when they lost 8-6 to Dakota Ridge. The six seed Eagles completed the upset on the road at the NoCo Ice Center, advancing to the final four and eventually the 2019 CHSAA Ice Hockey Championship Game against Regis Jesuit (where they lost). Nonetheless, the Lambkins finished the season at 14-5-2 and though they had a rather disappointing end, their overall season was impressive.

Fort Collins played consistently throughout the year. After being shutout in the first game of the season 4-0 by Monarch, Fort Collins’ offense proved to be a huge threat to opponents. They were able to crack the scoreboard at least once in the remaining 20 games. In fact, they scored four or more goals in 14 of those contests. A strong offense and continual pressure on the forecheck enabled Fort Collins to be one of the most dangerous teams in Colorado, and this was most evident in their improbable win over one of the country’s highest ranked teams.

The highlight of the season for the Lambkins came on January 26. The Lambkins hosted the Regis Jesuit Raiders, the best team in Colorado and arguably one of the best teams in the country. Regis, having been the runner-up at the national level in the 2017-18 season, won 33 consecutive regular season games before traveling to Fort Collins. However, in an epic and tense battle between two determined and hard-fought clubs, Fort Collins completed one of the greatest upsets in Colorado high school hockey history, snapping Regis’s 33 regular season win streak in a 5-4 win. Fort Collins players, coaches, and fans will never forget that incredible night.

Defeating Regis brought a sense of pride within the organization. Even though Fort Collins was denied a chance to continue their magnificent season in Denver, the successes of their 2018-19 campaign illustrate the great potential the club possesses. Only four years into the program, and Fort Collins hockey as already become a must-see showcase in high school athletics.

Thanks to all the Lambkin players and coaches for the hard work and dedication throughout the season. Special thanks go to the seniors, the first group of players to have participated in the program all four years. Thank you Fort Collins hockey for a wonderful and entertaining season!