So, having roared to the state championship in 2016-17 and doing so with a 19-0 record, the Skaneateles girls ice hockey team cannot do any better this winter – only match that run to perfection.
This latest quest began last Wednesday night at Allyn Rink against visiting Alexandria Bay, and the Lakers got off to the ideal start, shutting out the Islanders 4-0.
Ten seniors graduated from the state championship squad, more than enough turnover to affect things if not for the fact that head coach Andy Rozak still has plenty of skill on hand.
And no one is more skilled than Megan Teachout, the Lakers’ top returning goal-scorer, who converted on a breakaway just 4:22 into the first period, the only goal in that period.
Sophia Burns made it 2-0 near the midway point of the second period, and within 24 seconds Rebecca Cain scored, giving the Lakers a cushion. Teachout beat several Alex Bay defenders to notch her second goal in the third period.
All of this overshadowed the work of Alex Bay goaltender Jenna Christopher, who finished with 28 saves. Teachout, Cain, Burns and Ioanna Christou got one assist apiece as Jessica Smith stopped all 14 Alex Bay shots she faced.
Now the Lakers faced its first road trip of the season, going east for a pair of weekend games. The first stop was Canton on Friday night, where another steady effort produced a 5-1 Skaneateles victory.
Canton did not get on the board until the third period, by which point the Lakers were comfortably in front. Again, Teachout proved tough to stop, racking up three goals for the hat trick as Christou and Heather Tanzella each had one goal and one assist. Assists also went to Campbell Torrey and Cecily Kawesjsza.
Then, on Saturday afternoon, Skaneateles faced Massena, and while it proved the closest game so far, the Lakers made it 22 wins in a row, edging the Red Raiders 3-2.
Following a scoreless first period, Skaneateles got in front 2-1 during the second period, and then traded goals with Massena in the final period to hang on.
Teachout had two of those goals, giving her seven for the week. Christou also found the net as Kawesjza got her second assists in as many days. Each of Smith’s 16 saves would prove important.
Skaneateles is back home this week, taking on Oswego Tuesday night and then welcoming Beekmantown and Plattsburgh in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday.
