If the Solvay ice hockey team fretted much about its lone Division II West blemish — a tie with Cortland/Homer on Dec. 17 — that didn’t last too long.
Instead, the Bearcats defended its turf at State Fair Coliseum last Tuesday night with a 3-1 victory over CBA/J-D, who has just one win on the season.
Nothing against the 1-5 Brothers proved to be simple. Each side was physical and played strong defense, making the Solvay goals in the first two periods that made it 2-0 much more precious.
The margin held up, as Tim Burgess, Mike Sniffen and Josh Ginestro produced the Bearcats’ goals, with Nick Manobianco and Nick Downs earning assists. Ryan Bonk played well in the net, turning away 20 of the 21 shots he faced.
Solvay hosts its own “King of the Coliseum” Tournament on Monday and Tuesday. The Bearcats play Westmoreland in the first round, just after Hamilton faced Ontario Bay. Both the consolation and championship games are Tuesday, and sessions start at 3:30.