The Wareham/Carver Vikings lost 4-2 to the Bishop Feehan Shamrocks on Tuesday, Feb. 26 in the first round of the state playoffs, bringing an “absolutely incredible season” on the ice to an end.

“It was one of the best seasons we’ve had in awhile,” said Viking’s Head Coach Rich Valatkevicz. “The kids played hard all year.”

The Shamrocks managed to snag the first goal of the game on Tuesday night, but Wareham’s Tyler Lovendale scored on a power play to tie the game at 1 a piece.  The Shamrocks pulled ahead by a goal shortly after and ended the first period up by a score of 2-1.   A lone goal by the Shamrocks in the second period had the Vikings staring down a 3-1 deficit.  

James L’Heureux scored a second goal for the Vikings in the third period, but with just 4:49 left in the game, Bishop Feehan scored once more and Wareham was down 4-2.  

A comeback was impossible, but the defeat only showed how willing the Vikings were to fight according to Valatkevicz.

“Overall, they gave me a 110 percent,” Valatkevicz said. “Always.”

The Vikings had an overall record of 13-6-1 prior to Tuesday night’s game, ranking sixth in Division two of the South Coast Conference.

The team missed its state tournament bid last season by two points, but showed a fierce appetite for success this year.

In January, the Vikings celebrated their first win over Bourne High School in 15 years with a score of 5-3.

“I couldn’t ask for any more,” Valatkevicz said. “We went up against a lot of tough teams this year.”