For the first time in Bethpage High School history, the Bethpage High School boys ice hockey team was crowned New York State club team champions. Under the leadership of their head coach Jeff Schmier and assistant coach Anthony Regateiro, the team competed in the state tournament against Bellmore-Merrick on March 3rd in Jamestown, NY and scored two goals in the final five minutes of the game to tie. They took home the win a minute into overtime.
On March 4th, the team received a celebratory welcome home outside of Bethpage High School. Family members, students, administrators, faculty and staff gathered at the front of the high school with posters as they anxiously waited for the team’s arrival. The Bethpage Fire Department led the team’s bus to the school where the marching band performed and the boys exited the bus to cheers.
The team continued the celebration inside the school building where they paraded the hallways with their trophy to the applause of their peers. The team and their family members then gathered in the high school auditorium. The boys and the coaching staff received congratulatory remarks from Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health John Franchi and Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker. Ms. Walker presented a citation to Coach Schmier and certificates to everyone on the team.
“Congratulations to all of you,” Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz said to the boys. “You worked hard all season and to end it this way is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Coach Schmier thanked the district for its support. He also addressed the team.
“It’s a long season and the opportunity to get to the state tournament is really special,” he said. “This year, we knew we had a special team…these boys have worked tirelessly all year and there is no better group. They never quit.”
The boys had an incredible season. Prior to winning the state tournament, they won the conference title and the Nassau County championship.
“To bring home a state championship in the fashion that they did, down two goals with five minutes left in the game, is nothing short of a miracle,” Coach Schmier said. “It was one heck of a ride and we will never forget it.”
