It only figured that the Skaneateles girls ice hockey team opened the 2015-16 season just where the previous campaign had concluded – with a far happier result.
The Lakers went up north Tuesday night to Clayton to face Alexandria Bay, the same side to which it lost in last February’s Section III finals, and this time got the best of the encounter, using a solid all-around performance to defeat the Purple Ghosts 3-1.
Among the many changes Skaneateles faced in the off-season was getting a new head coach, Jay Kirk, and moving its home games to the Community Center after a long stint at Austin Park’s old rink. It also picked up a new Section III rival, based in Clinton, who will face the Lakers on Dec. 11 and 22.
But it would find success depending on a trusted forward in Sophie Kush as it reunited with Alex Bay. Neither team had scored in the first period when Kush got loose on a breakaway and converted the Lakers’ first goal of the season.
Then, in the second period, Kush struck again, this time from the left point. Minutes later, it was Ioanna Christou’s turn to net a goal, assisted by Bella Csemez, and that would prove enough against an Alex Bay attack that had plenty of opportunities, but only put one shot past Skaneateles goalie Maria McLean, who recorded 20 saves.
That second encounter with Clinton will be the first home game for Skaneateles following eight consecutive road tests, including three next week as it ventures to Ithaca Tuesday and has a weekend trip to Plattsburgh and Beekmantown.
Meanwhile, the Skaneateles boys ice hockey team begins its state Division II title defense with an appearance next weekend in a tournament hosted by defending state Division I champion Rochester McQuaid.
