MORRISVILLE – Rarely does there come an opportunity similar to what the Cazenovia ice hockey team experienced in last Tuesday’s game against West Genesee at the Morrisville State IcePlex.
On home ice, with the reigning state Division II champions as the opposition, the Lakers erased a two-goal deficit in the third period, only to get thwarted in a tense 5-4 defeat to the Wildcats.
Already this winter, WG had shown vulnerability with shutout defeats to Skaneateles and Pittsford, something Cazenovia could sense – and to which it nearly took advantage.
Even after the Wildcats jumped out 2-0 in the first period, Jack Donlin’s goal cut the margin in half before the period was done. Then Donlin struck again to tie it, 2-2, early in the second before the Wildcats reclaimed the lead.
Trailing 4-2 going to the third, Cazenovia again fought back, Shamus Newcomb and Jake Hightchew each putting in goals to tie the game as Dylan George had two assists, single assists going to Donlin, Hightchew and Lucas Cornish.
With five minutes left in regulation, though, WG’s Christian Ball put one past Ezra Stahlberg on a breakaway, and the Wildcats held on from there, having overcome Stahlberg’s 22 saves.
Jackson Pensabene led WG by scoring twice. Jesse Desena and Nick Meluni joined Ball with one goal apiece, while goaltender Luke Beck recorded 23 saves.
Early this week, Cazenovia goes to Colgate University’s home rink to face Cicero-North Syracuse before returning to the IcePlex Wednesday to face Mohawk Valley.
