CENTRAL NEW YORK – Parked at no. 5 in the state Division I rankings, the Baldwinsville ice hockey team returned from a prolonged break with a busy weekend that included a key test at the top of the standings.
It was the 10-1-1 Bees against 11-1 Cazenovia at the Morrisville State IcePlex, a game scheduled back on Jan. 11 but postponed, only adding to its importance.
Even though it had played the night before, B’ville was ready for the task – as it proved by taking a quick lead and never getting caught on the way to defeating the Lakers 4-1.
Twice in the opening period, the Bees converted, and even when Cazenovia got on the board in the second with Forrest Ives’ goal, B’ville answered it, ultimately tacking on another insurance goal in the final period to run its unbeaten streak to 12.
Cole Schuyler, who has recently emerged as B’ville’s top scoring threat, found the net twice and added an assist to pace the attack, while Sam Ciappa had one goal and one assist.
Matt Carner netted the other goal as single assists went to Matt Fawwaz, Trevor Sutton and Garrett Church. Again, the Bees’ defense was impressive as Patrick Morgan, getting a turn in goal, turned away 26 of 27 shots.
B’ville had returned last Friday, having not played since its shoot-out victory over state Division II no. 1-ranked Pelham in the Jan. 8 final of the Duke Schneider Memorial Tournament.
Perhaps that rust showed in the first period against Cicero-North Syracuse as the Bees fell behind 1-0, only to get going in the second with a four-goal outburst to take the lead for good.
To its credit, the Northstars didn’t go away, converting twice in the final period, but B’ville answered and pulled out a 6-4 victory as Schuyler led the way, putting together a three-goal hat trick as Carner picked up three assists.
Ciappa had a goal and two assists, with Fawwaz and Brayden Penafeather-Stevenson each earning one goal and one assist. Keegan Lynch and Reese Gilmore had two assists apiece as Jon Schirmer, in goal, earned 21 saves.
