‘96 Racers Win Central States Playoff Title

The Bantam Minor Racers took a twelve game CS winning streak into the playoffs and brought home the title with four straight wins in the playoff tournament. In the final it took a 33 save performance from Nick MacNab and a timely third period powerplay goal from Sam Zike to seal the deal against a terrific team from Chesterfield, MO.

The first preliminary round game saw the Racers defeat Highland Park, IL 3-0 on goals from Ryan Ward, Spencer Cage and Nick Luke and a shutout from MacNab. 

In the second game they rode their top line of Jack Surowiec, Logan Coomes and Ryan Ward who combined for a ten point effort in the 5-1 over the Naperville Sabres. The winning goal was scored by Brock James and Peter Ciravolo was the winning goalie. 

The third game against the Affton Americans saw the Racers get another early goal from Ryan Ward then fall behind 2-1 on a couple of powerplay goals by Affton. The Racers fought back to tie the game on a Surowiec PP goal and took the lead on a beautiful short-side high shot by Logan Coomes. An insurance marker by Surowiec on the PP in the third period and a solid 38 save performance by MacNab put the Racers in the championship game for the first time.

The Racers wasted little time in the final as Coomes again blasted a high shot that powered its way past the Chesterfield goalie for a 1-0 lead. The game stayed that way into the third period as the teams traded goals for a 2-1 game with seven minutes to go. From there the Racers showed the kind of heart and guts it takes to win a championship – great goaltending, courageous shot blocking, tight checking and an unwavering belief that they could win the game.

As coaches, we are very proud of our team for all of their efforts this season and wish to extend a hearty thank you to their parents for all they have done to allow this season to unfold as it has. It has been an exciting ride so far and with continued commitment look for more thrills from the ‘96 Racers.