The Fort Collins hockey team defeated Regis Jesuit 4-1 during the quarterfinals of the 5A Playoffs, advancing to the Frozen Four for the third consecutive season.

The Lambkins had a score to settle with Regis, as they tied 4-4 at the NOCO Ice Arena earlier in the season. Even in their first matchup, Collins felt confident that they could beat this team, and was able to prove it on the biggest stage.

“We weren’t expected to win, so we just want to go out and try hard,” said senior Jason Campos.

Campos led Fort Collins on the offensive end, scoring three goals and achieving his first hat trick of the season. Campos was able to raise his game to fit the circumstance, helping his team pull off the upset.

“We were able to run our offense, get shots from the point, take away the goalie’s eyes, getting shots on net. Just [running] everything we practiced,” Campos said.

The biggest change since their previous matchup was the Lambkins focus on defense. The team struggled keeping Regis off the board in the first matchup, giving up four goals. When allowing three goals or more this season, Fort Collins boasts a record 0-5-1. This statistic made it all the more important that the Lambkins were able to hold Regis Jesuit to only one goal in their second meeting, relieving the pressure from the offense.

“Our offensive guys always play defense first then play offense. We always backcheck hard and try to mess things up [for the offense],” Campos said.

Collins next matchup is another rematch, as they take on Valor Christian back at Magness Arena on Thursday, March 3. Valor has matched up well against the Lambkins in the past, beating them in the state championship in the past two seasons. Fort Collins is not only seeking revenge from the past two state championships, but also from their loss at Valor Christian 3-1 earlier this year.

“It’s going to be a big one and a good one. We’re excited,” Campos said.