The Southeast Regional tournament is a date that Rowan DII club ice hockey head coach John Caulfield always circles on his calendar. 

Unfortunately, it was the last stop the Profs made this season.

They fell to Miami University of Ohio by a score of 4-1 on Saturday night down at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The only goal that Rowan mustered came from Tucker Simmons with an assist from Anthony Dellerose on a power play at the end, when Rowan had pulled goaltender Justin Natiello to make it 6-on-4.

The loss was the final game in the college careers of seniors Natiello, Lewis Claps, Peter Kaz, Aaron Segnello, Christopher McDermott and Kyle McGovern.

Caulfield had plenty to say in reflection upon the game.

“Miami struck early and we were trying to play catch up,” Caulfield said. “We were right with them on the scoreboard but couldn’t slip one past their goalie. It wasn’t for lack of effort or opportunity we lost. We were gambling near the end to sneak some chances.”

As has been the case all season long in these articles, the mention of the young core the Profs have makes the future look incredibly bright, as the likes of Bobby Penrod, Dellerose, Trevor Rucci and Nick Ramos look to elevate this team to the national stage.

“To be honest, I didn’t think Regionals were a possibility at the start of the year,” Caulfield said. “As the season went on and we got better as a team, Regionals was absolutely the goal.”

Caulfield spent some time to reflect on the magical season the Profs had with this young team.

“The outdoor game (on Dec. 29 vs. Delaware) was awesome. The record may not leap out as one for the ages but this season was the seventh consecutive in the top-10 and going to Regionals. I’m very proud of the team and what we’ve accomplished as a program.”

Following Saturday’s loss, Caulfield tweeted out a picture of the six seniors mentioned above, with the caption, “Thank you seniors. It’s been an absolute pleasure watching you represent the brown and gold.”

Thank you seniors. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch you represent the brown and gold pic.twitter.com/cxqgWg6zZ5

— Rowan Hockey (@RowanHockey) February 25, 2018

With that, another season of Rowan hockey is in the books. The torch has been passed, along with the keys.

Buckle up. The kids drive this thing now.

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