Though at times the Cazenovia ice hockey team runs into a concrete ceiling, at least that ceiling is a high one, requiring a good opponent to take them out.
Mere days after a third-period meltdown in a 7-2 defeat to Hilton Jan. 3 at Colgate University’s Starr Rink, the Lakers returned to the Morrisville State IcePlex and, in its lone regular-season encounter with Whitesboro, doubled up the Warriors for a 4-2 victory.
The first period proved vital, even though Cazenovia surrendered goals to Whitesboro’s Dan Emery and Sean Gaffney to erase the early 1-0 lead established when Jake Lewis scored early in that frame.
When Jake Stowell stepped up to put in the tying goal just before that first period ended, the Lakers had escaped its worst danger, and for the rest of the night the defense clamped down, taking away all of Whitesboro’s chances as goalie Cameron Fry recorded 23 saves.
It was R.J. Smith’s tally in the second period that put Cazenovia ahead to stay, and Cole Willard tacked on an insurance goal in the final period. Nate Morgan earned a pair of assists, with Lewis and Stowell also getting assists.
On Saturday, Cazenovia met Shaker/Colonie (Section II) in a non-league game that ended in a 4-4 tie.
This leads to a memorable week where Cazenovia would host defending Section III champion Auburn (fresh off handing state-ranked New Hartford its first loss of the season) on Tuesday before going west on Route 20 Friday night to face state no. 2-ranked Skaneateles at Allyn Arena.
