Aliseo, Ortolano earn their place in history … and they’ll return next year
It’s been said that good hockey teams are built on their defense. It’s never more true than with the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions winner Hudson Catholic.
Because they not only have the best goalkeeper in the state in Joe Aliseo, but they also have a brilliant defenseman in Jason Ortolano – and they’re both only juniors. Which means one thing. Both will be back to help the Hawks defend the unthinkable title they secured over the weekend, with wins over Seton Hall Prep in the Parochial finale and over Bayonne in the T of C title game.
Aliseo was downright brilliant in the net for the Hawks down the stretch, stopping 36 shots in the 2-1 win over favored Seton Hall, and in dramatic fashion as well, stopping five scoring opportunities in the closing minute.
"The last 25 seconds of that game seemed like 10 minutes," Aliseo said. "I had to be on my game at all times. I couldn’t let up for a second. I had my share of defensive help, but I had to be on my guard."
Ortolano said that he really believed Hudson Catholic had a chance to capture a state championship while he was in school.
"It just came a little earlier than I expected," Ortolano said. "But eventually, I thought we had a chance."
The reason? Because both Aliseo and Ortolano are of the top-flight caliber of players, the ones whom dreaded rival Seton Hall Prep used to gobble up at will. Aliseo comes to Hudson Catholic from Elizabeth. Ortolano lives in Carteret. But they both came to Jersey City with the idea of bringing Hudson Catholic hockey to a new level.
And they’re both among the best in the state at their respective positions. In fact, both play in the New Jersey Devils’ junior hockey program – Ortolano plays for the Devils’ Junior B squad, while Aliseo performs for the Devils’ Midget AA team.
"We never have an off-season," Ortolano said. "We go all year round."
Neither player had a chance to fully enjoy the state championship, running from place to place for Devils’ junior practice.
"It still hasn’t hit me yet," Aliseo said. "Not at all. I still can’t believe it. It’s so remarkable. In eight years, we’ve gone from the lowest division in the state to the state championship. It’s really hard to believe."
Believe it. And the reasons to believe are named Aliseo and Ortolano. And they’ll be back next year, ready to defend their crown.
"It puts a little pressure on us to perform," Aliseo said. "We have to live up to big expectations now. But it’s a fun position to be in, with everyone chasing after you. That’s a sign of respect."
And these soaring Hawks have definitely earned the state’s respect for their improbable performance.
But don’t think of Hudson’s victory as being anything reminiscent of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team’s "Miracle on Ice."
"This was no miracle," Aliseo said. "We worked hard to get where we are. It wasn’t like we came up with one big upset. We beat all the best teams in the state and we deserved what we got."
Spoken like a true champion.