Matt Pombo
Allen High School
Dallas, Texas
Winning a state title wasn't easy for Matt Pombo.
In his first state championship game, the Allen senior goalie had to get past a formidable Plano West team that was 22-1-1 in the regular season. And the night before, Pombo and his Allen teammates had to get past prom.
"There were a lot of distractions," Pombo said. "We have a majority of seniors on the team. I just had to make sure nobody was going to any after-parties."
The parties could start the next day. Playing his fifth game in five days, Pombo made a season-high 33 saves - 23 in the first two periods - to lead Allen to a 2-1 overtime win over Plano West in the state title game. It was Allen's first state championship in hockey.
Pombo finished with a 25-2 record, including 6-0 in the postseason. He made 26 saves as Allen beat Plano West, 4-1, in the final of the AT&T Metroplex High School Hockey League's Gold Division city playoffs.
Pombo didn't get a break after winning the state title. The next week he was in Chicago playing in front of scouts from college teams and junior clubs at a high school showcase tournament, trying to earn a chance to continue his hockey career.
Allen, Sr., goalie
Notable: He was 19-2 with a 1.40 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage and four shutouts in the regular season. He went 6-0 in the postseason and led Allen to city and state championships.
About Pombo: He led the state tournament with a .944 save percentage, stopping 68 of 72 shots.
Did you know? Pombo is thinking about pursuing a career in plastic surgery or radiology.
Full Story: http://www.dallasnews.com
