CORTLAND – With each week, and each top-notch performance, the Cazenovia ice hockey team continues to gain respect in the eyes of observers both inside and outside Central New York.
In the first state Division I rankings of the winter, the Lakers were at no. 9, three spots ahead of reigning sectional champion Syracuse, but behind West Genesee at no. 2 and Baldwinsville at no. 4.
Clearly, this success had not affected the Lakers’ focus, for it went to face Cortland-Homer Wednesday and methodically took apart the state Division II no. 10-ranked Golden Eagles on the way to a 5-1 victory.
Cortland-Homer’s aggression backfired in the first period. Gaining three different power plays, Cazenovia scored on all of them, with Jake Owens, James LaFever and Will Penoyer taking turns finding the net.
Proving that it wasn’t one-dimensional, the Lakers added even-strength goals in the second period to spread the margin to 5-0 as Penoyer scored for the second time and Logan Hull also converted.
Aside from his two goals, Penoyer also picked up two assists as Forrest Ives anchored the attack thanks to his three assists. Owens, LaFever and Riley Newcomb had one assist apiece.
Cortland-Homer did get on the board with Logan Goodman’s short-handed goal in the third period, but Cy McCrink turned back everything else, the Lakers goalie finishing his day with 22 saves.
Back-to-back games against Mohawk Valley at the end of 2021 and start of 2022 would follow as Cazenovia pointed toward a key game this Friday against reigning sectional Division I champion Syracuse at the Morrisville State IcePlex.
