After a long week of hockey in which we were searching for our eighth win to secure a spot in the state tournament, we finally found it after defeating the South Windsor Bobcats 4-1.
The Bobcats, previously 13-2, have been tearing up the northern half of the state lately. We were aware, and prepared for a battle.
Sophomore goaltender Matt Hoff got the nod, and he made the most of it. After a game off last night, he didn't seem shaky at all, as he turned away every shot that came his way in the first period, and the second for that matter.
Everything didn't go perfect though, as we once again were taking dumb penalties at times. Tonight however, we were able to kill off every penalty we were called for. In addition to holding them to nothing on the power play, Nick Amarone took it upon himself to score two of his three goals shorthanded. The first came at the end of the opening period, in which he skated through the entire line of South Windsor defenders, and slipped the puck through the opposing goaltender's five-hole to finish the beautiful individual effort.
After the game, I asked him what he was thinking. Nick replied, "Backhand, forehand fiver. Blind man celly. Da boy got cake." What a character.
In the following period, Nick continued where he left off, this time thanks to the efforts of Clifford Carignan. After blocking another Bobcat power play attempt, Carignan and Amarone skated down the length of the ice and connected for Amarone's second of the evening.
Our next goal came on the power play, where Pat Lynch banged home a rebound to stretch the lead to three. Shortly after, "Tricky Nicky" completed the hat trick with helpers from line mates MacGregor and Paulie Amarone.
Heading into the third period with a four goal lead, South Windsor made sure they weren't going to be shutout, as Kyle Benson fired a shot through a screen on Hoff and it found its way through. Towards the end, thanks to the play of Wilson, Ruocco, Reilly, Callahan, and Quick, the score remained 4-1 and we finally saw the victory we had been waiting for.
From this victory, we move on to face East Haven at the Lou, and hope that the momentum from tonight can carry over.
One of your best R.J.!
ReplyDelete