In what’s become a traditional opening event, the Skaneateles ice hockey team went to the Buffalo suburbs for its first games of the 2009-10 season.
The Lakers, a perennial Division II title contender, is looking for its second championship in three years. After winning it all in 2008, Skaneateles went 16-9-1 a season ago and gave up the crown by losing in the sectional semifinals to New Hartford, the eventual state champions.
With just six seniors departed from last year’s roster, the Lakers carry high expectations — and that didn’t change in its Buffalo trip, despite a split of those games.
Skaneateles would beat Williamsville South 3-1, getting all of its goals in the second period. Dan Tarolli, Dylan VanHoltz and Tom Jones each scored once, with Brendan Major and Rory Callahan gaining assists.
From start to finish, Williamsville South had lots of chances to score, but sophomore goalie Trevor Diamond proved superb, stopping 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Only Trevor Clark managed to score, in the second period.
The result proved different against Division I power Williamsville North as the Lakers lost 5-0 to the Spartans. Diamond had 29 saves, but North scored three times in the first period to take control as Jake Rosen (two goals) and Jeff McAndrews (one goal, one assist) led the way.
Division II West play for the Lakers kicks off Friday against Central Square at Cicero Twin Rinks before the Dec. 9 home opener against Solvay at Allyn Arena.
