Hockey News & Notes
UNYCHL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!
The Le Moyne hockey club capped off a memorable season by winning its first UNYCHL Cup Championship, defeating Alfred State University 5-2. The team finished the season with a remarkable 14-4 record. As had been the case in recent games, the Dolphins had to overcome a sluggish start, trailing 1-0 after the first period. Stellar goaltending by senior Matt Moura kept the Dolphins within striking distance. Alfred went up 2-0 and then the Dolphins went on a tear, as they have all season, scoring goals fast and furious. The boys notched 4 unanswered scores, 3 in a span of 3:48 and never looked back. Freshman Dan Deacon ended a season for the ages, notching 2 goals, including the eventual game winner. Junior Bob Shattell also had 2 goals along with 2 assists, and sophmore Matt LaRue notched 1 goal. Dan Deacon finished the season as the teams leading scorer, notching 23 goals and 32 assists for an incredible 55 points in 17 games. Junior Bob Shattell was eqully as impressive, getting 22 goals and 24 assists for 46 points in only 14 games. Senior Colby Hawthorne had a career high in points with 27, as well as leading the team in penalty minutes with 71. Seniors Tim Gearhart and Steve Blasik also had career best years, notching 23 and 16 points respectively. Coach Musto was elated with his teams performance this season, adding that he believed his team may have been one of the best Le Moyne has ever had. "This team had to fight all year through adversity, both on and off the ice. We had some serious injuries to some key players like Justin Cunningham, whom we missed tremendously. But the guys really pulled together and stepped up their game and I am truly proud of what they acheived. They deserve this. This shows what honest hardwork, believing in yourself and your teammates and playing like a team can result in. These guys are a family, and I am proud to coach them" Coach Musto replied. While he is sad to see his seniors, Defensive Coach Marc Wills and especially Assistant Coach Tim "Patrick" Fabian, who has been with him scince the beginning, leave, he is already looking forward to next season. " This team may be scary good next year with the players coming in to supplement the ones we lost. This seasons rookies were some of the best players we've ever had, and next seasons look good too". Coach Musto has a message to his returning players; "only 197 days left til official off-ice training starts. The worse thing they could have done was win it all this year. That means I'm going to push them harder next year. This team will be the measuring stick for others to follow". "But", he added, "I'll let them enjoy this...for a few days at least".
Le MOYNE DEFEATS ONEONTA - CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NEXT
Le Moyne advanced to its second straight UNYCHL Cup championship game, overcoming a scrappy Oneonta squad 10-2. The score was in no way indicative of the game, as Le Moyne found itself only leading by a score of 1-0 after the first period. Junior Ricky "Hollywood" Vernetti and freshman phenom Dan "Zetterberg" Deacon each netted a hat trick. Le Moyne also got 2 goals from always reliable senior Colby "Buzz" Hawthorne, and 1 each from freshman standout Adam "Beezer" Bezek and junior sensation Bob “Datsyuk” Shattell. Freshman defenseman Matt “Dish” Mahaffy added 3 assists. The Dolphins take on #2 seeded Alfred in the championship game Saturday night, Feb 16, 2008, at 6:15pm at the Coliseum. Prior to the game, the departing seniors and coaches will be honored. Bring a friend and let’s pack the house as the Dolphins hockey club goes for their 1st championship!!!
