An impressive opening week that included a second-place finish in Baldwinsville’s Bobby Conklin Memorial Tournament had the Cazenovia ice hockey team feeling quite good about its chances in the Division II National Conference.
But if it wants to go to the top, the Lakers know that it will have to conquer New Hartford and Auburn. Cazenovia faces the Spartans next Tuesday night at New Hartford Recreation Center with first place in the league race at stake, and then ventures to Casey Rink to play the Maroons on Dec 18.
What took place last Wednesday night at the Morrisville State IcePlex only added to those good feelings, with the Lakers playing strong defense throughout its game against Whitesboro and taking out the Warriors 3-1.
In the Lakers’ last home game of 2015, all of the offense came in the first two periods. Cazenovia moved in front thanks to a pair of goals from Brenden Whalen and another goal from Collin McGaugh, and then protected that margin the rest of the way, limiting Whitesboro’s chances by blocking shots and controlling the puck.
This moved the Lakers to 2-0 in league play, and before big battles with New Hartford and Auburn this week, Cazenovia would face Fayetteville-Manlius in a non-league game Friday at Cicero Twin Rinks, a game that ended in a 1-1 tie.
Will Healy scored for the Hornets in the first period, and that 1-0 lead held up for quite a while, the Lakers only staying in it because Cameron Fry was sensational in the net, turning back a slew of F-M opportunities and earning 31 saves overall.
By contrast, the Lakers’ attack was more sporadic, but in the third period it broke through when Adam Race put home the tying goal, assisted by Jake Leis and R.J. Smith. Neither side would convert again, in regulation or overtime.
Cazenovia does not return to the IcePlex until Jan. 2, when it meets defending state Division II champion Skaneateles for the only time in the regular season.
