TOMAHAWK - Pacelli co-op boys hockey coach Rusty Mitch hoped his coaching career would last at least one more game.

Instead, when the final seconds ticked off the clock at the Sara Park Activity Center on Tuesday night, Mitch walked to the locker room for the final time.

Upon entering the door he received a standing ovation from his players. Mitch admitted seeing his players for the last time this season was emotional. His voice cracked a little.

Tomahawk spoiled Mitch's chance to stand on the bench at least one more time by handing the Cardinals a 7-3 setback in a regional opener.

Daniel Mitch was the last of three sons to play for their dad. Saying goodbye wearing a Pacelli hockey sweater for the final time as a senior was hard.

"To be able to have him (as my coach) for four years was really cool," Daniel Mitch said. "We worked hard all season with what we had. The guys played with heart and that is all you can ask."