Morrisville — Call the Cazenovia ice hockey team the comeback kids – for in at least two important instances this season, the Lakers trailed by multiple goals in the third period, only to pull out a victory.
First, it was that frantic rally Dec. 18 at Auburn where a flurry of goals late in regulation beat the Maroons 5-4. Then, in Saturday’s clash with defending Section III Division II champion CBA/Jamesville-DeWitt at Morrisville State IcePlex, the home fans got a state of Cazenovia’s comeback magic when it roared back to beat the Brothers 4-3 in overtime.
Going in, the Lakers, no. 8 in the latest state Division II rankings, were well-rested, though that wasn’t the plan. Set to go to Crisafulli Rink (also known as the Fort) to face Oswego last Tuesday, the game got postponed by winter weather, and will get made up on Feb. 4.
Thus, Cazenovia had not played a game in more than a week when CBA/J-D, sporting a 5-5-1 record that included a pair of one-goal defeats to state Division I top-ranked Syracuse, came to the IcePlex, the two sides each landing a goal in the first period to stay even.
Then the trouble started, as the Lakers went cold in the second period and the Brothers, taking full advantage, found the net twice, including one in the last minute of the period that made it 3-1, the type of goal that can demoralize many teams.
But the Lakers didn’t panic. Instead, it resumed its attack and, 4:02 into the third period, pulled within one on Colin McGaugh’s goal. Then it kept attacking and, with 6:11 left in regulation, Jake Stowell fit a shot past CBA/J-D goalie Peyton Bowler to tie it, 3-3.
It stayed that way until overtime, when the Lakers, flush with all of the momentum attacked again. It culminated when Cole Willard, taking a pass from Nate Morgan, beat Bowler to fit in the game-winner.
The win lifted Cazenovia back into a tie for first in the Division II National Conference with Auburn, each holding 10 points.
Sporting an overall record of 8-3-1, the Lakers would, if the weather allowed, get in three road games this week, visiting Clinton on Tuesday before going to Ontario Bay Thursday and to Kennedy Arena Saturday to take on Rome Free Academy.