By TIM IRVING
McQuaid hockey is starting to get more local games and with that, the Knights are getting a better idea of what they’ll face in Sectionals next week.
So, a 4-2 victory Tuesday night over a Pittsford team that head won four straight games makes for a good benchmark.
“All the credit to them for the way they’ve played this week and credit our guys for wanting to battle against them,” McQuaid coach Joe Dugan said.
A predictably defensive battle early with two of the top goalies in the Section in nets. Aden Brown for Pittsford and Rory Fitzpatrick for McQuaid.
The Panthers got one past the latter near the midway point of the first period on a power play when Aidan McGrain fed the puck from the below the goal line and found Colin Norton.
With four minutes left in the period, the Knights’ forecheck, led by Jack Callery led to the tying goal as Callery fed Liam Palmer for the equalizer.
“When the boys score, it really gets me buzzing, really gets me wanting to save the puck more. Love to do that for them, love that they do that for me, “ Fitzpatrick, the son of the former NHL defenseman and current Irondequoit Town Supervisor of the same name, said.
Early in the second period, Dante Coelho skated up the left side, cut to the middle and beat Brown stick-side for a 2-1 McQuaid lead.
Later in the period, Matt Kozara stepped up on the forecheck and hit Brent Donlon for a wrister that left a 3-1 Knights lead heading to the third period.
“We wanna play an aggressive game, Dugan said. “We wanna play with speed but also with structure and the forecheck is part of that.”
Pittsford pressed to cut into the lead but Fitzpatrick stood his ground.
Midway through the period, Will Masaschi fired one past a screened Fitzpatrick to cut the lead to 3-2.
“I played with Masaschi for a bunch of years, good friend of mine.” Fitzpatrick said, adding “That’s why I love high school hockey, you get to play with all your buddies, that’s the best part about it.”
The Panthers thought they’d tied the game later in the third on a power play but the puck was ruled to have been kicked in. The Knights also hit several posts in the game but it wasn’t until Collery hit an empty net with under a minute to go that McQuaid (9-7-2) had it locked up.
Fitzpatrick made 29 saves as McQuaid and Pittsford (10-6-1) battle for the third seed in Class A Sectionals.
“We preach consistency and battle so nothing changes for us. We’re just looking forward for the opportunity to compete, “Dugan said.
The Knights finish the regular season at the Salmon River Tournament this weekend.
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