The Spartans certainly would not have considered themselves the Cinderella team of the state Division III tournament.
After all, the Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op ice hockey skaters had evenly battled many D-III opponents this winter.
Yet, just a few years removed from numerous seasons of near futility on area ice rinks, there they were on St. Patrick's Day, skating for state laurels on Yale University's Ingalls Rink in New Haven.
Coach Mike Gorra's ever-improving sextet dueled top-seeded and supremely talented E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinals of the Division III tournament.
That the Spartans came up on the shy end of an 8-1 verdict, saved from a whitewashing by Griffin Smith's goal, was not the point.
Shepaug/Litchfield/Nonnewaug was not in the eventual state champs' class, but the Spartans didn't want to hear it.
To the final whistle, playing in the state tournament for the first time in many years, the local skaters gave it their all, just as they had throughout an overall 12-12 campaign.
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1of73Christian Stuart of the Spartans fires from point-blank range during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less2of73The Spartans wait during introductions for the game's start before Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less3of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less4of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less5of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less6of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less7of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less8of73All-stater Andrew Loya confronts the Bobcats' goalie from nearly point-blank range during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less9of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less10of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less11of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less12of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less13of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less14of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less15of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less16of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less17of73By early in the game, it became readily apparent the Spartans and Bobcats were tournament teams headed in opposite directions during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less18of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less19of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less20of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less21of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less22of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less23of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less24of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less25of73Christian Stuart of the Spartans fires from point-blank range during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less26of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less27of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less28of73The Spartans pad their lead with an insurance goal during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 4-2 victory over Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury in the first round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Danbury Ice Arena. March 9, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less29of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less30of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less31of73As was usually the case, the Spartans' Andrew Loya finds himself surrounded by rival skaters during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less32of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less33of73Ice hockey aficionado Bill Kamp, right, of New Milford notes a point of interest during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less34of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less35of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less36of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less37of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less38of73Spartan mentor Mike Gorra gives his skaters guidance and a pep talk during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less39of73Spartan mentor Mike Gorra gives his skaters guidance and a pep talk during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less40of73Spartan mentor Mike Gorra gives his skaters guidance and a pep talk during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less41of73Spartan mentor Mike Gorra gives his skaters guidance and a pep talk during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less42of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less43of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less44of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less45of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less46of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less47of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less48of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less49of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less50of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less51of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less52of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less53of73The rival goaltender makes a quick stick save on a blistering shot by the Spartans' Nick Ganio during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less54of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less55of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less56of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less57of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less58of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less59of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less60of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less61of73Spartan sophomore Maddie Gorra follows the action between her shifts as her father, coach Mike Gorra, also looks on during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less62of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less63of73Spartan netminder Will Slohn deflects a rival shot over the cage during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less64of73Spartan netminder Will Slohm uses a blocker to frustrate a rival scorng bid during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less65of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less66of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less67of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less68of73Spartan veteran Christian Stuart fires one final shot on net during Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less69of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less70of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less71of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less72of73Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less73of73Spartan coaches and players exchange respects with their opponent moments after Shepaug Valley/Litchfield/Nonnewaug co-op's 8-1 defeat to E.O. Smith/Tolland in the semifinal round of the state Division III ice hockey tournament at the Ingalls Rink at Yale University in New Haven. March 17, 2015Norm CummingsShow MoreShow Less
The 12th-seeded Spartans had earned the state's "Round of Four" spotlight and their chance under the bright lights in New Haven courtesy of state tournament wins March 9 over fifth-seeded Brookfield/Bethel/Danbury, 4-2, at the Danbury Ice Arena and then March 12 with a 7-5 barnburner of a conquest of 13th-ranked Woodstock in Northford.
Those successes followed a 10-10 regular season highlighted by a pulsating, seven-match win skein during one scintillating 17-day stretch in mid-February.
The Spartans were backstopped throughout the season by Litchfield High sophomore Will Slohm.
The attack focused around the mercurial skills of Shepaug senior Andrew Loya and the leadership and versatility of classmate Christian Stuart.
Loya was honored at season's end with selection to the state Division III all-state team and, to top off his Spartan career, he was chosen as the Division III state Most Valuable Player.
He finished his career with 126 points, fourth in Spartan annals to Scott Hunt (203), his coach, Mike Gorra (168), and Steve Price (133).
Loya also is fourth in goals with 77, trailing only Hunt (115), Gorra (85) and Drew DeWitt (83).
The state tournament capped the Spartan skating careers of Shepaug student-athletes Loya, Stuart and Travis Fitch, as well as Nick Ganio of Litchfield High and Drew Benjamin of Nonnewaug.