By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The Atlantic Hockey playoffs will begin a little early for Rochester Institute of Technology's men's hockey team. Sort of. In coach Wayne Wilson's opinion, Saturday night's season finale against Air Force is a critical showdown for positioning, even though the Tigers have already clinched a first-round bye. That's because Wilson places significant value … [Read more...] about RIT’s season finale has significant meaning
Fairport prevails over McQuaid in goaltending showdown
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA As the scoring chances for Fairport piled up, and as the save total for McQuaid goalie David Battisti kept pace, it was quite evident that no straight-on shot was going to find the net. When one of the best goalies in Section V is hot, you're just not going to beat him cleanly. Not from the point, not from the slot and not even from point-blank range. So … [Read more...] about Fairport prevails over McQuaid in goaltending showdown
Barteise, top-seeded Victor blank Pittsford
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Since the puck dropped to open the hockey season back in November, the Victor Blue Devils had been invincible powerhouse in Section V. They methodically dispatched of opponents, game after game, week after week, losing only to undefeated Skaneateles of Section III just before Christmas. By Feb. 6 they were 17-0 against Section V foes. But then came the … [Read more...] about Barteise, top-seeded Victor blank Pittsford
McWilliams and Chesler carry Canandaigua
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA All season, the mantra from the Canandaigua Academy coaching staff has been unwavering. They've uttered the same three words over and over and over. And over again. "We've just preached going 1-and-0 shift to shift, period to period, game to game," coach David Taft said. Thus, when Spencerport stormed the Canandaigua zone shift after shift in the first … [Read more...] about McWilliams and Chesler carry Canandaigua
Hennessy sends Thomas to Class B title game
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The playoff hockey traditions run deep at Webster Thomas High School. Game-day team breakfasts at T's Family Restaurant. The bleaching of hair by pretty much every player when sectionals begin. And winning. Except this year, senior forward Cullen Hennessy opted against a change of hair color. "I did it last year and it lasted until mid-July," he said. … [Read more...] about Hennessy sends Thomas to Class B title game