Since the Regis Jesuit hockey team finished 20-1-1 this season, it would be tough to determine a turning point in its season.

For Nick Carey, though, that was easy.

"I think the real turning point was in that game against Lewis-Palmer when we lost in the final five seconds," Carey said. "It was at that point we were undefeated and we were getting above ourselves."

Carey and the Raiders refocused their efforts, and in the final 13 games of the season, Carey scored 12 goals and had six assists to help guide Regis to its first hockey state championship. Carey finished with 22 goals, tied for second most in the state, and 11 assists in earning the Rocky's honor as All-Colorado player of the year.

Regis needed two overtimes to beat Battle Mountain for the title, and when Gregg Davis found Nick Davis for the winner, all Carey could think of was . . .

"Finally," Carey said. "Like Nick Davis said, you dream about (scoring the winning goal) every night, and that's totally true. It's just an unbelievable feeling. I don't remember what happened after that puck went into the net for about five seconds, but it was a terrific feeling that I will never forget."

The other two All-Colorado forwards also were dangerous scorers. Rampart's Donald Geary led the state in goals (23), assists (27) and points (50). He had four games in which he scored four points or more, including an eight-point effort (four goals, four assists) against Mitchell.

Cheyenne Mountain's Jeff Royce was the team's leading scorer, with 37 points (21 goals, 16 assists), helping the Indians qualify for the playoffs for the 33rd consecutive season. His point total ranked him third in the state behind Geary and Rampart's Cord Foster (43 points).

Even though they play defense, Aspen's Simon Dolginow and Battle Mountain's Jonny Stevens know how to score.

Dolginow, a repeat All-Colorado selection, led all defensemen in scoring, with 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists), including a four-point effort against Machebeuf when he scored a hat trick and had an assist.

Stevens posted 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) and was the anchor for one of the best defen- ses in the state, as the Huskies recorded six shutouts.

Along with Carey, Regis is represented by goalie David Nowicki. He posted a 15-1-1 record, making 374 saves and recording three shutouts. In games decided by two or one goals, he went 10-1.

Regis coach Dan Woodley, the All-Colorado coach of the year, said it was a pleasure to coach Nowicki and Carey.

"Those two are both great players," Woodley said. "Nick has been a solid player for four years. If anyone deserves the high school title and getting the recognition, it's him, because he's been a strong supporter of high school hockey for the last four years.

"David is one of my favorite people around. He's just a really nice kid that does the right things and just so happens to excel at hockey and is a remarkable goalie."

Woodley admits he doesn't remember what he said to the Raiders in his championship pregame speech, but he does remember what he told them during the first overtime intermission.

"I went in there and told the boys that the cream rises to the top," Woodley said. "And out of the cream you make butter, and boys, this victory is going to taste like butter. For you seniors, going into double overtime in the state championship game, there's nothing else better, you won't have more fun in hockey than this."

All-Colorado ice hockey

Pos. Name School Year

F Donald Geary Rampart Sr.

F Nick Carey Regis Jesuit Sr.

F Jeff Royce Cheyenne Mtn. Sr.

D Simon Dolginow Aspen Sr.

D Jonny Stevens Battle Mountain Sr.

G David Nowicki Regis Jesuit Sr.

* Player of the year: Nick Carey, Regis Jesuit

* Coach of the year: Dan Woodley, Regis Jesuit

* Honorable mention: Colin Anderson, Lewis-Palmer, Sr.; Garrett Aschermann, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Greg Borchers, Peak to Peak, Sr.; Kalen Burnett, Battle Mountain, Jr.; Braxton Campbell, Summit, Sr.; Barrett Chow, Battle Mountain, Sr.; Gregg Davis, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Daniel Doremus, Aspen, So.; Andrew Duval, Peak to Peak, Jr.; Taylor Fant, Kent Denver, Sr.; Stevie Fillo, Lewis-Palmer, Sr.; Mike Fisk, Lewis-Palmer, Sr.; Cord Foster, Rampart, Sr.; Ricky Frias, Aspen, Sr.; Nick Gavin, Lewis-Palmer, Sr.; Alex Gutierrez, Summit, Jr.; Conner Hayes, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Spencer Hellwig, Peak to Peak, Sr.; Ethan Jervik, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.; Ryan Maddux, Battle Mountain, Sr.; Tyler Moore, Aspen, Sr.; Scott Noble, Summit, Sr.; Kevin O'Donnell, Standley Lake, Sr.; Josh Popovich, Palmer, Sr.; Josh Richards, Palmer, Jr.; Steve Royce, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.; Beau Schoolcraft, Kent Denver, Sr.; Graham Smith, Ralston Valley, Jr.; Tanner Stansbury, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Blake Wittenberg, Air Academy, Sr.