AAU - Hockey

CHEEKTOWAGA BEATS STARPOINT FOR STATE HOCKEY TITLE

2017-08-15

Written by: Jeff Graham The Cheektowaga High School Varsity hockey team continued their late season dominance over Starpoint by beating them 2-1 in the New York State Title game in Jamestown, NY on Sunday March 3, 2013. Cheektowaga fell behind early in the title game when Starpoint scored just 5 ...

Written by: Jeff Graham

The Cheektowaga High School Varsity hockey team continued their late season dominance over Starpoint by beating them 2-1 in the New York State Title game in Jamestown, NY on Sunday March 3, 2013. Cheektowaga fell behind early in the title game when Starpoint scored just 5 minutes into the contest. Junior Captain Randy Szymkowiak would score the equalizer three minutes into the second period and the crowd would then be treated to some great end-to-end hockey action in the remaining second and third periods. Senior Mike Crissy had a chance to put the game away late in the third period on a penalty shot attempt but was thwarted on a great save by Starpoint goalie Ryan Sullivan. Sophomore Chris Botzenhart provided the heroics when he blasted home the game winner with just 7.2 second remaining in the 3rd period after receiving a quick pass up the ice from Anthony Cybulski. The win gave Cheektowaga and Coach Steve Ferrentino their first State Championship Title since 2007. Cheektowaga tied their first 2 games in the qualifying round with a 3-3 ties against both Canisius and St. Joe’s. Facing a must win scenario to get the State Championship Game, Cheektowaga exploded for a 4-0 win over Massapequa. Goal scorers in the first 3 games were: Mike Crissy, Randy Szymkowiak, Kyle Ponosny, Matt Romaszko, Michal Swacha, Jordan Pocobello, Andy Avino and Joey Valentino. Senior goaltenders Chris Reinhardt and Tyler Pocobello were excellent in goal all weekend with Reinhardt picking up the shutout vs. Massapequa.