East is East and West is West and right now, east is Best! In Section III Division II hockey that is.
After a wild weekend of five games…with no snow outs, one blow out, a couple of games closer than their two goal margins and a triple overtime – we’re down to four teams. Three of them come from the East…Clinton, New Hartford and RFA. Skaneateles is the only western survivor, but they are dangerous.
Let’s recap – RFA played their way in on Saturday by beating Cazenovia 4-2 in Rome. This game show more of the diversity of the Knights, they are not a one dimensional team that must be carried on the shoulders of a big defenseman. They have some depth, good experience and solid goaltending.
While the Black Knights were playing their way in, Clinton was starting their defense of the section and state crowns – minus their head coach. Dave Litz was sitting out the suspension that resulted from his ejection in the regular season finale against New Hartford. This one showed that the Warriors are one heck of a machine. Clinton is so well prepared for each game, thanks to Litz and his staff, I could be on the bench…sign the sheet as head coach, and the boys would go out and get the job done. Cortalnd Homer was a little more of a test than the locals may have expected, but the Warriors pounded out a 4-2 win to advance.
Whitesboro went to Skaneateles and pressed the Lakers, but could not prevail. According to the stats I have, only once in the regular season did Whitesboro win a game when trailing after two periods. They are just not a come from behind team and going down 3-0 to Skaneateles put the warriors behind the 8 ball and they now look toward next season after losing 4-2 to the Lakers.
Now, the extra innings game. We have talked about these young guns in New Hartford and it was one of them that came to the rescue. Andrew Kelleher scored the equalizer late in the third period and then scored the game winner early in the third overtime to get the Spartans a huge win over Syracuse CBA.
And then, Sunday…RFA goes to Fulton to play the West’s best and blow them out of their own building 6-0. Again, a balanced attack, five different players scoring goals, plus solid goaltending makes RFA a serious concern for New Hartford.
That brings us to the next round – the semifinals!
Clinton hosts Skaneateles Tuesday night at the Arena at 7:30PM. This will be a good one. They met once in the regular season and Clinton won at home, 4-2. Clinton has no major gaps in their line up, either from injury or talent. They will play in the great old barn. But, Skaneateles is a team similar in style to New Hartford. They are on a bit of a roll, winning five straight, going into to the Tuesday semi. They come in rapid waves…hard skating and they take the body well. Unlike New Hartford, who is a more balanced team, the Lakers rely more on key player – Keith Buehler. Buehler is a talented sophomore who is closing in on 30 goals for the season. If Skaneateles is similar to New Hartford then look at Clinton v N. H. during the season. The Warriors took two of three with the Spartans, all tight games. But, Skaneateles is not New Hartford and I think that Clinton takes this one and a mid-third period goal and hold on. Clinton, 3-2.
The other semi should be a shoot out for the young guns. These two teams split during the regular season…each winning on home ice. At a point when the Spartans seemed on a roll, the Black Knights derailed them at Kennedy. But, the Black Knights are a Jekyll and Hyde hockey team. When they show up and skate in control they are championship material. But, as most observers have noted…they can self-destruct. I can think of fewer teams that can cause such an implosion than New Hartford. They have a team that fits John Cunningham’s most successful style…free wheeling, rush the puck, take the body when the opportunity presents itself and don’t stop skating. Zalewski, Kelleher, Silberlicht, Betar and Fiorentino have been playing that way for years and are starting to jell. They play this one at the Rec. Center on Wednesday at 7:30PM.
Let’s hear your picks.
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Let's start with me patting myself on the back.
In three of the four Quarterfinals, I correctly predicted the winner and margin of victory if not the actual score. In the Caz/RFA tilt, I chose whoever scored first. Anyone know whether that was Caz or Rome? They both had one in the first period.
Anywho, congrats to the Black Knights for a resounding victory in Fulton! I had picked RFA to do big things this year and have been somewhat disappointed although I still think RFA could win the State Title if they can get out of Section III. Metzger is an incredibly underrated goaltender and if his blueliners can stay disciplined, RFA will be in Utica.
Rome has the talent, the age mix, the competitive juices, etc., but they don't always pull in the same direction. If and when they do, look out!
I concur with you Tom on Clinton-Skaneatles. I see a 3-2 win for the Warriors but the Lakers will not go quietly. Look for a lot of shots and hardnosed play in front of both goals. It'll be a good'un.
New Hartford can beat RFA but self-satisfied complacency bedevils the Spartans. After that 6-2 whupping though, I think 'Carse' will have his kids (and NH is young) motivated for the hometown crowd. I chose NH, 3-2, but if I was betting (does Turning Stone take that action?
; >)), I'd call it even.
Probable Final? Clinton-New Hartford.
On Friday, if it's NH-Clinton then the Warriors win rather handily (4-1). Sorry Spartans but I don't think you can take CCS out of their game twice in a row. If it's NH-Skaneatles however, the Spartans will win on the big Arena ice. NH is a much more balanced attack and passes better than the Lakers. NH, 4-2.
If it's RFA-Skaneatles, the Lakers take it 3-1 in a physical game. An RFA-Clinton game would be rated R with no one under 17 admitted due to violent content. Just kidding (I hope) but the Knights and Warriors could end up in OT with CCS taking it, 2-1. Many alumni from both schools will be having flashbacks to the '60's and '70's! Grow out your sideburns for that one.
Best of luck to all four schools and their fans. Section III is King of NY State Hockey and the winner of Friday's game should expect the support of all. I'll be rooting for you.
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