Game Recap

State Playoffs, Round 3; 3) Randolph Rams 9, 11) Howell Rebels 0

Game Summary: For the final seven minutes and forty-two seconds at Mennan Arena, more than sixty miles from Howell, Sunday night, the 60-some Rebels' fans could not have been prouder of the 11th-seeded Howell hockey program.

In a third round match-up against a team that was flat-out better than Howell, the Rebels struggled in several ways in a 9-0 defeat. Still, there was two phases of the game that Randolph did not top Howell in: hustle and heart.

Against a team who was quicker, stronger, more talented, and simply, better, they did not out-hustle the Rebels. In previous games, many people called out Howell because a lack of effort, and hustle and heart.

No, not on this night.

A ten goal lead in a high school hockey game is ended short in a 'mercy.' At the 7:28 point of the third period, the Rebels gave up a goal, forcing them to be trailing by nine. Instead of giving in, they fought to the final whistle and did not give up, and did not allow another goal--forcing their dedicated fans to stay.

Rip Howell for not being prepared for this game, or simply not talented enough, but on this night, it's impossible to charge the Rebels with not trying, because they did that and more.

Summing it up: In a season that has been described much like a roller coaster, the Howell Rebels defied the odds in post-season play, much like the previous season. There were the great moments, and there were the ones that made the fans want to cringe, but in the end, there was nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it was the opposite as the buzzer rang at Mennan Arena. Every Rebels' fan was proud of what this team accomplished in just their second season, as it was a major improvement from the year before.

There was hostility.

There was love.

But, hey, that's what families are made of--and the relationship between the players and fans was nothing short of a family-type relationship.