A unique winter for the Cazenovia ice hockey team concluded with some more competition and, ultimately, another victory to savor.
Already 3-2 going into last Friday’s game against Oswego at Crisafulli Rink, the Lakers staged a memorable comeback that led to overtime and a 7-6 win over the Buccaneers.
Oswego, who had played 15 games this winter (three times Cazenovia’s number) and were 8-7 overall, inched out in front early and then blanked the Lakers in the second period to build a 5-2 advantage.
Led by Brayden Miller (two goals, two assists) and Collin Cianfarano (two goals, one assist), the Bucs appeared safe – only to have Cazenovia erupt for four goals in the third period to Oswego’s one.
Then, having tied it 6-6 going into overtime, the Lakers notched the game-winner as, for the night, Jacob Owens and Ganon Houghton each picked up hat tricks, netting three goals apiece.
Owens also got two assists, matching Jack Donlin, with Logan Hull getting one goal and one assist. Jacob Grevelding and Russell Lafever had one assist apiece as Owen Bailey, in goal, recorded 29 saves.
Playing again Tuesday against Watertown IHC at the Fairgrounds Arena, Cazenovia made a strong closing statement, improving on defense while defeating the Cavaliers 5-2.
Much of the game was played in IHC’s end. Protecting its own net, the Lakers held the Cavaliers to 16 shots, with Cy McCrink stopping 14 of them.
Cazenovia also had nice balance on its attack, with only Donlin scoring twice. Mike Avegenhos picked up one goal and one assist, with Hull and Grevelding getting the other goals. Houghton had two assists as single assists went to Owens, Connor Grzesczuk and Tyson Frederiksen.
That 5-2 victory meant the Lakers would finish with a 5-2 overall record, accomplished without a single home game All the work done outdoors in December and January led to a lot of success in February and March, with lots of expectations for 2021-22 as only Grzesczuk, Bailey and John Dudrick graduating.
