The exciting run of the Deering boys’ hockey team came to a close last week with a 7-0 loss to powerhouse Thornton Academy in the Western Class A quarterfinals.

One year removed from a 2-16 season, the Rams, behind a small, but talented roster and the able guidance of first-year coach Jack Lowry, were one of the revelations of the 2009-10 campaign.

Deering tied its first two contests, then won three of four before the holiday break, capped by an inspirational 6-5 overtime triumph over rival Cheverus. After starting the new year with a tie and two defeats, the Rams won seven of eight and finished with a mark of 10-5-3, just the ninth time in 23 varsity seasons they’d won 10 or more.

Deering did drop to the No. 7 seed in Western A after a regular season-ending 4-2 loss at Gorham, forcing the Rams to go to No. 2 Thornton Academy in the quarterfinals last Tuesday night in Biddeford.

Lowry stressed the importance of staying close to have a chance, but the Golden Trojans scored just 45 seconds into the game, added a power play goal at the 5:11 mark, then with 5:12 to play in the first, Thornton Academy scored again for a commanding 3-0 lead after one period.

The Golden Trojans added three more in the second and scored once more in the third to cruise, 7-0. Deering did manage 19 shots on goal, but couldn’t score. Jackson Stevens stopped 34 shots as the Rams finished at 10-6-3.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net