This was a great weekend for the NorthEastern Midget Hockey League. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers and their tireless efforts under the leadership of Scott Springli, all players, coaches, family members, and officials were treated to great hockey, a fun Skills Competition, an enjoyable banquet with award recipients, and two outstanding final games. In Division 1, Troy/Albany Jr River Rats prevailed in a tug of war, knock ’em down, fast-paced 3-1 victory with an empty net goal over the Bay State Buccaneers. Five minutes remaining in the first period, Zach Smith set up Joey Vedovelli for the lone Bucs goal. Then, on a tic-tac-toe play with 3 minutes remaining in the second period, Nick Lloyd and Andrew Bourdeau teamed up for the Rats first goal; Bucs goalie Cory Lignelli had no chance on this goal. In the third, with only 3:27 remaining, Ronnie Morrello scored, NEMHL Scholar Chris Budrow assisted, on the powerplay. Lloyd sealed the victory with an empty net goal with 23 seconds remaining. Lignelli and Jimmy Murnane had 15 saves apiece. Truthfully, it was a shame that anyone had to lose this contest but boy! it was fun to watch..
Equally exciting was the Division 2 game with Saratoga Blue Knights beating Clifton Park, 4-1, in a very close contest. The Knights got off to a quick start 4 minutes into the game with Joe Chiaravalle feeding Joe Bartoszek for the first notch on the powerplay. Then the score remained 1-0 until late in the second period when the Knights went up 2-0 off a goal by Sam Kelley, assisted by NEMHL Scholar Nick Florin and David Klapp. The BIG MOMENT followed: Timothy Holmes of the Eagles was awarded a penalty shot and he scored! This is a first in NEMHL history. The Knights sealed the deal with two third period goals from Carson Salaway, assisted by Mark Kelley, and Florin, assisted by Bartoszek.
But there were also very special moments during the weekend. After the South Windsor Knights – Northern CT Griffins D-2 bronze medal game, the two teams stood around to chat with each other. When questioned why they did this, both teams’ players stated that they got to know each other during the Skills Challenge and realized that they actually liked each other. I only wish that I had my camera to capture this unprecedented moment in League history. The other bronze medal game today was played by the Seniors of both teams (Watertown Redwings and Griffin Flames) against the “Rookies”. Score was not recorded but from what I understand, everyone on and off the ice enjoyed their fun event. I got to meet DJ Burke’s greatest fan, his grandmother, and get a picture with her. I also got to meet the Cleary/Beaudry Award for Courage recipient, Bucs Alan Filiault – a remarkable young man deserving to be amongst all of the other recipients of this cherished award. And then the two finals….
As I stated, what a great weekend! Thanks to everyone who helped bring the season finale to a successful conclusion.
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League News
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