What Are the Chances?
AHS Goalie Drew Wilson reflects on his hockey season
Bill Marquardt, with permission
Abington Hockey seniors (left to right) Drew Wilson, Steve Pizzi, Joe McCarthy, and Colin McDonald on senior night at the Rockland Rink on February 5, 2019.
May 18, 2020
There is a last for everything in this world. We knew when we headed to play the Foxboro Warriors at the Canton Ice House on Feb. 28 that this could be one of those days. We had hopes though. Anything was possible.
I was playing goal in my last ever Abington High School hockey game. We lost. It was probably the most devastating game I have ever played, too. The emotions in the locker room after the game were so saddening. A strongly bonded team, losing the last game that we would ever play again with each other.
But, I do not regret any of it.
“I pushed myself harder than ever, strove for greatness, and achieved something so memorable.
— Drew Wilson
It was the most fun season out of the four I played in high school, and I would not want to do it with anyone else. I pushed myself harder than ever, strove for greatness, and achieved something so memorable. I made great friends, went to many pasta parties, and served as a mentor to the younger people on the team.
Ending the season in playoffs, knowing that I might never step foot on the ice again to play a competitive hockey game, is the most heartbreaking thing ever. The time flew by and it was over just like that, with me whispering to myself the words, “It’s over, my hockey career could be over.”
I remember watching each year as the seniors above me played their last games too, whispering the same things to themselves. And now I was finally in the exact same situation.
It was a remarkable season for everyone, though, and we all knew it. One thing that will never disappear from this school is the team achievements we passed this year, overcoming all negative assumptions going into the season.
What makes my last hockey game even more surreal, however, is that COVID-19 came along and took away the spring sports season too. Feb. 28 was not just my last high school hockey game; it was my last high school game of all. Stolen from my hands.
Sometimes, life takes shots at you that you just cannot save.
Pat & Jim Stone • May 19, 2020 at 9:06 AM
Drew, Papa & I are so very proud of you. We have watched you through school always doing your best. Your achievements have been many.
You did give it your all and then some with hockey, and it showed during each and every game.You can be very proud of yourself.
We are sorry your senior year ended so quickly, it is not fair, but like all things you find a silver lining to the future.
We know you will achieve whatever goals you set toward college and through life.
Reach for the stars Drew,.
Papa and I will be there for you, watching you from the sideline Always.
Love Always,
Nana & Papa
Marilyn Weber • May 19, 2020 at 12:58 AM
Drew, a well written article! You eloquently conveyed the glory and the disappointment. No doubt you will continue your life’s journey a more flexible and compassionate adult as a result of the unexpected change in plans your class was handed. Keep all the memories! Stay well and strong!
Carolyn Ford • May 18, 2020 at 7:13 PM
As your grandmother, Drew, I am very impressed with your article, the style of your writing that described your last experiences in high school sports, and the impact on you as you prepare to graduate. I am sorry that the quarantine robbed you of additional memories, but it is a sad lesson in life – there are no guarantees. I think you understand though, as you wrote in the final line that sometimes “life takes shots at you that you just cannot save”. Well said, Drew! And congratulations to you and all your classmates!!