OSWEGO, N.Y. — A few months ago, a high school hockey season for the Oswego Buccaneers seemed very unlikely. However with a quick announcement allowing high schools to begin practices, the condensed season was going to occur and at a very rapid pace.
Oswego started off their season caught off guard by facing opponents they typically do not square off against but did this year due to the new COVID-19 enforced divisions based on location and not school size. Through the month of February, the Bucs would get three wins but also dealt six losses with two of them against a well known Division II favorite in Section III, the Skaneateles Lakers who went 14-0-2 this season.
It was a quick turn around in March as Oswego was able to win their first four games of the month convincingly outscoring their opponents 22 to 4 in those four matchups, as well as earning five wins and receiving only two losses in March. When head coach Kevin Ahern was asked what were some possible factors in the turnaround he did not hesitate.
“We have settled into some of the systems that we’re trying to implement… our puck movement has gotten much better, our d-zone has tightened up, and our goaltending is playing well,” Kevin Ahern said.
It was bittersweet for 6 seniors at the end of the season as they were fortunate enough to have a season but bid farewell to their high school hockey careers and home games at what they know as “The Fort”. With a large veteran core coming back, including eleven seniors in 2022; look for the Buccaneers to be hungry for a potential deep playoff run in Section III this upcoming season with their young determination and depth.