No one in the area Division II ranks has pushed the Skaneateles boys ice hockey team has hard as the Clinton Warriors.
In two regular-season meetings, Clinton has made the Lakers work hard for the type of production it has made routine against other foes, which could make things interesting if they meet a third time in the Section III playoffs.
The second of these encounters last Tuesday night at Allyn Arena was a particularly close call, with the game in doubt until the final seconds, but Skaneateles able to prevail 3-2.
In their first meeting Jan. 10 at Clinton Arena, the Lakers had toughed out a 2-0 decision, Chad Lowe stopping all 15 shots he faced as Garrett Krieger netted one goal and assisted on Charlie Major’s tally.
Then again, Auburn had tied Skanetaeles 1-1 the first time they met in December, only to have the Lakers flatten the Maroons 10-0 in the rematch, so the Warriors were determined to avoid that kind of rout – and did.
Here, the first period went scoreless, but in the second the Lakers were able to convert twice after Clinton had grabbed a quick 1-0 advantage.
They traded goals again in the third period, but Skaneateles was able to stay out in front, mostly by having more chances as it took 33 shots to Clinton’s 16.
Krieger and Cole Heintz each had one goal and one assist, while Brendan Powers also converted. Major got an assist, as did Charlie Russell, Jacob French and Jack Henry.
On the Warriors’ side, Josh Trask’s 30 saves kept the game close as Antonio Femia scored for the Warriors and assisted on a goal by Tyler Karuzas.
A snowstorm last Friday postponed the showdown between Skaneateles and state no. 4-ranked Whitesboro until Feb. 19, which will serve as the regular-season finale after the Lakers take on New Hartford and Oswego this week.
