By ADAM HARGRAVES
@Hargraves24
AMHERST – From relative obscurity to support within the school as well as the community.
Not to mention the support from strangers on the street, who see the Hurricanes’ logo engulfed in hockey sticks and recognize the accomplishments of the team.
The Amherst Regional hockey team won the program’s first Western Massachusetts championship since 1994 this season and will play for a state title 7:45 p.m. Thursday against Nashoba at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.
“This is something that Amherst needs,” Amherst coach Mike Rousseau said. “This thing we have started to put together, a winning atmosphere for the Amherst hockey program.”
Amherst’s (18-1-3) Jake Balderston had a hat trick in the D3A final win over Chicopee Comp. With the increase in success comes recognition for the team.
“Everywhere you go, there is someone congratulating you,” Balderston said. “You see people around town and they ask when we our next game is. People know what’s going on with us and they care.”
This is a big change from Balderston’s freshman year when nobody asked him about the hockey team, and, in one instance, he had to inform a fellow athlete that an Amherst hockey team existed.
Balderston led the Hurricanes is scoring with 26 goals. The junior credited Rousseau with the resurgence of the Amherst hockey program.
“He’s the reason our program has turned around,” Balderston said. “He brought such a good dynamic. We are always prepared.”
Balderston also has 22 assists.
Defenseman Matt Gazaille’s stout play on the blue line along with steady one-on-one play has helped limit scoring opportunities for Amherst opponents.
“This season has been a memorable one, and it’s not over,” Gazaille said. “Great for the town. We’ve had a lot of support.”
Gazaille has seven goals and 10 assists for the Hurricanes.
Amherst’s Nathan Masteralexis had a neighbor walk up to him after a recent practice at the Mullins Center practice rink to offer congratulations.
“I’ve literally had hundreds of people come up to me,” Masteralexis said. “People I don’t even know. If you told me I was going to be in the position as a freshman I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Masteralexis has 25 goals this season with 23 assists.
“We are on the map,” Masteralexis said. “I don’t know what else we would have to do. Hopefully more kids see the success we are having and want to play hockey.”
With Amherst continuing to win, Rousseau has noticed an increase in attendance when the Hurricanes play.
“The AHA (Amherst Hockey Association) kids are staring at the guys and are very enthralled,” Rousseau said. “I have colleagues showing up to games. There’s a big contingent of teachers who will make the trip to Springfield.”
Just two years ago before Rousseau’s arrival, Amherst was 3-13-3.
“The talent has been here the whole time,” Rousseau said. “I was lucky enough to tap into it. I can’t thank the community and the parents to let me do what I do and that’s spreading passion for the game as a coach.”
