As it gets set to meet defending state champion New Hartford next Tuesday night at the Morrisville State IcePlex, the Cazenovia ice hockey team had to feel better about itself in the wake of a key Division II East win.
The Lakers put together its strongest finish of the season to fire past Clinton 5-2 Tuesday night at the IcePlex.
Neither side scored in the first period, as Cazenovia’s relentless pressure did not lead to goals. An exchange followed in the second period as the Lakers and Warriors both found the net, leading to a 1-1 tie.
All through the game, the Lakers attacked hard, only to see Clinton goaltender Jake Hilton stuff them, finishing with 40 saves, more than twice the total of Cazenovia counterpart Mason Powell.
But the Lakers wore down the Warriors in the third period and scored four times to take charge. Connor Cannizzaro scored twice, with Joe Nardella adding a goal and two assists. Brian Gara and Sean Cannizzaro each had one goal and one assist, with Tom Colligan and Zach Bonavita also finding the assist column.
Cazenovia goes to the Cicero-North Syracuse Optimist Tournament on Friday and Saturday, played at the Twin Rinks that host both CNS and Fayetteville-Manlius.
