DANBURY -- The Barlow High boys hockey team hung Rob Smuniewski's jersey behind their bench prior to Saturday's game against New Fairfield/Immaculate to pay tribute to a fallen teammate, classmate and friend.
The Falcons then skated to a 4-2 victory that Smuniewski would no doubt have been proud of.
Smuniewski, a senior at Barlow High, died following an accident on Jan. 8 involving an all-terrain vehicle and another vehicle on Route 59 in Easton, according to published reports.
He was in his first season with the Barlow hockey team and never had a chance to suit up and play in a game for the Falcons. His teammates will carry his memory with them in their hearts every time they step onto the ice.
"We've had a tough week to try to get through, and this definitely helps," senior co-captain and defenseman Adam Jacobs said of the Falcons' win. "We played as hard as we could in his memory."
Smuniewski was remembered fondly by players and coaches alike. His No. 2 jersey will hang behind the bench at every game for the rest of the season.
"He was the most gregarious guy you'll ever meet," said Barlow coach Pete Maxfield, who made an emotional speech to the crowd of several hundred prior to the game. "He was always smiling, just a really happy, happy kid. For him to be struck down at such a young age is really difficult. He was an amazing kid. I wish we could've had more time with him."
Jacobs scored the go-ahead goal with 4:13 remaining, backhanding a high shot from an impossible angle on the short side that somehow found an opening between New Fairfield/Immaculate goalie Ryan Dobos and the goal post.
"I looked over and I thought he made the save, but I guess it trickled in," Jacobs said.
Michael Mattson added an empty-net goal with 28.2 seconds remaining to complete a hat trick and seal the win. Barlow goalie Gordon Loery made 17 saves, while Dobos made 18 saves for New Fairfield/Immaculate.
"We played hard and everyone did their job," Jacobs said. "Gordo was really strong in net and Mike Mattson came back strong with a lot of offense. We're all starting to come together as a team."
Mattson put the Falcons up 1-0 with a power-play goal at 8:45 of the first period off an assist from Justin MacDougall. New Fairfield/Immaculate tied it midway through the second period when Matt Hilliard banged home a rebound.
Barlow regained the lead when Mattson scored off another assist from MacDougall. New Fairfield/Immaculate tied it with 8:37 remaining when Brian Gunn scored unassisted.
BARLOW 1 1 2 -- 4
NEW FAIRFIELD/IMMACULATE 0 1 1 -- 2
RECORDS: Barlow 3-4; New Fairfield/Immaculate 3-5.
GOALS: B--Michael Mattson 3, Adam Jacobs; NFI--Matt Hilliard, Brian Gunn. ASSISTS: B--Justin MacDougall 2. SAVES: B--Gordon Loery 17; NFI--Ryan Dobos 18.
