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Depew battles Central to tie in local club hockey nailbiter
It was almost over. For the first time in five years, Cheektowaga Central's varsity club hockey team was nearly a victim of a league opponent, as Depew threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Warriors Wednesday. But Central still hung on to tie.
Despite outshooting the Warriors (5-0-1) by a 6-2 margin in the third period and 19-16 overall, Depew tied Central, 2-2, keeping alive the Warriors' Western New York-record 77- game unbeaten streak in Small School league play. Depew held leads of 1-0 and 2-1, but Central battled back to tie the game each time on a pair of power play goals by senior forward Dennis Lark. Juniors Dan Gorski and Chris Kendall (shorthanded) scored for Depew.
The Times will provide additional details of the contest in next week's issue. Depew is now 9-2-2 overall, 3-0-2 in league play.
Depew tied league Small Schools West Division foe Lewiston-Porter 4-4 on Sunday at Niagara University, as forwards John Leistner (senior) and Kendall (junior) each recorded two goals. Kendall and forward Alfredo Scarpone tallied two assists apiece.
In a 10-1 Depew win against league opponent Olean last Wednesday, Leistner led Depew with one goal and four assists, while Scarpone added two goals and two helpers.
Also contributing multi-point performances were Kendall and forward Kyle Polanski, who each tallied two goals and one assist, as well as defenseman Jim Leair (two assists), T.J. Pilarz (one goal, one helper) and Gillen (one goal, two assists). Gorski hit the back of the net once.
Goaltender Shane Cameron earned the win between the pipes, stopping 26 of 27 shots.
The Wildcats return to action Saturday against non-league opponent Niagara Catholic at Leisure Rinks, with face-off scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
In other local action, Maryvale (2- 3 in the Small Schools East Division) got into the win column recently, thumping St. Joe's "B" Saturday, 5- 2, before defeating Tonawanda, 4-1, Tuesday.
Against St. Joe's, senior forward Corey Krawczyk scored two goals, while senior Matt Opala recorded one goal and one helper. Defenseman Tom Brado added two helpers, while forward Calvin Waley and defenseman Tyler Gmerek each hit the back of the net once.
Senior goaltender Ian Hurtubise made 16 saves to earn the win.
Against Tonawanda, the Flyers overcame an early 1-0 deficit, as forwards Aaron Garland and Kyle Gmerek each scored two goals. Kyle Gmerek and Dustin Krawczyk also added assists.
Garland's goal, which concluded the scoring, was highlight-reel quality, as the forward deked Tonawanda's goaltender on a breakaway. Maryvale senior goaltender Dan Gengo made 22 saves in a winning effort.
The Flyers return to action Saturday at the Cheektowaga Recreation Center for a 9 p.m. face-off against league foe Southwestern/Maple Grove. Maryvale will also face Starpoint on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Hyde Park Ice Rink.
Cleveland Hill/John F. Kennedy (1-4-2 overall) was defeated by Iroquois/Alden Friday, 7-0, before dropping a 8-5 decision to Eden/ Lake Shore on Monday.
Senior forward Marty Witman led the Highlanders with four goals against Eden/Lake Shore, as junior forward A.J. Ping had the locals' other tally. Ping also recorded two assists.
Cleve Hill/JFK returns to action Sunday at Leisure Rinks against Southtowns High School Club Hockey League opponent Canisius at 8:45 p.m.
St. Mary's of Lancaster had its Sunday game against Central rescheduled to a later date. The Lancers will face City Honors on Sunday at Holiday Twin Rinks.
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