CONGRATS TO WOOTTON, MSHL CHAMPIONS

Selfless Wootton Finishes the Job This Time Around
By Jeff Nelson
Special to The Washington Post
Tuesday, February 26, 2008; E07

If Jason Burke is right, Wootton entered this season with an unenviable reputation among its peers.

"They probably thought we were the most overrated team in the state," the senior forward said.

That perception shouldn't be a problem anymore.

Wootton scored two third-period goals last night to defeat Wilde Lake, 4-2, for the program's first Maryland Scholastic Hockey League championship.

The Patriots' postseason run provided a stark contrast to the past three seasons, each of which featured 8-1-1 records and disappointment in the playoffs.

Last season was especially difficult, considering Wootton (15-2-1) was coming off its first state semifinal appearance and appeared ready to take the next step.

"Everyone on our team was so cocky last year," said Burke, whose short-handed goal sealed last night's game with three minutes remaining. "Everyone thought we were going to go in and wipe through states. And we didn't even make it past regionals.

"This year we came with a new approach: no individuals on the team."

The selfless Patriots' talent and depth flourished in postseason wins over Magruder (8-0), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (6-3), Good Counsel (9-2) and Linganore (5-2).

Even when Wootton fell behind 2-0 last night on first-period goals by Dmitry Ermakov and Anthony Basile of Wilde Lake (12-2), there was a sense among the Patriots that any of them could make a play to turn the game around.

"We don't have a superstar," Wootton Coach Dave Evans said. "We don't. Everybody on this team contributed, played team hockey and had each other's backs."

Forty-one seconds after Basile's goal, Wootton senior Jeff Rubin started the comeback on an assist from Burke.

Senior captain Scott Futrovsky tied the game in the second period and scored the go-ahead goal with 6 minutes 47 seconds remaining in the third period.

"We've always been a powerhouse, but we've never been able to finish and win the big one," Futrovsky said. "To come out here and put [that reputation] to shame is just the greatest feeling ever."

Wootton 4, Wilde Lake 2

Making Progress: Until this season, Wilde Lake had not won an MSHL postseason game this decade. It won three to make it to last night's final.

Packed (Ice) House: Paid attendance at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel last night reached 700, a record for an MSHL public league championship game.