The luck ran out for the Fort Collins area hockey team, as they suffered a 4-0 loss on the road against the Chaparral Wolverines in the postseason. 

The game started out even, with both Collins and Chaparral getting solid offensive chances early in the first period. But Chaparral broke the tie with under three minutes in the first period, scoring off an offensive zone faceoff win while Collins was scrambling to set up their defense. 

Fort Collins struggled all season with immediately setting up their defense, as most of their goals allowed off of faceoffs in either the neutral or defensive zone. 

The Lambkins had a relatively slow start in the second period, allowing Chaparral to cycle the puck around and get plenty of good looks. The Wolverines paid off those efforts halfway in the second period with their second goal of the game. 

Collins pushed back after going down two goals, even drawing the first power play of the contest late in the period. Despite getting several quality looks the Lambkins came up empty once again. 

The Wolverines added a third goal at the beginning of the third period, and an empty netter with two minutes left, ending Fort Collins’ season in the first round of the playoffs. 

It was a rollercoaster of a transition year for Collins, as the introduction of new players combined with the major conference change forced them into some uncomfortable positions. 

But the team showed fight and vigor, pushing through the difficult season and still making the playoffs to keep the playoff streak alive at seven consecutive years.

This will be a teachable experience for the 14 returning players, as they hope to return to the postseason as Fort Collins will continue to push towards their first state title in the near future.