The Friars entered the CHSAA hockey playoffs as the number one seed taking on Fordham Prep who they swept 3-0 in the regular season, outscoring them by a 17-7 margin.
Game one was played on 2/13 at Dix Hills Ice Rink and right from the opening faceoff Fordham Prep put a ton of pressure on Friars Sr. Goalie Anthony Russo. Russo stated, “I knew they were going to put pressure on me early so I had to be locked in from the start.” Russo stood tall and gave the offense a chance to settle in and at the 8:32 mark, the Friars scored on a goal by Jr. Joe Lomtevas assisted by So. Jake Manfre and Jr. James Penzavechia. SA would also capitalize late in the period when Penzavechia fired the puck past the Fordham goalie giving them a 2-0 lead heading into the second period.
The Rams would again come out attacking, but Russo stayed strong making multiple huge saves. Fordham would eventually break through with a little over 4 minutes remaining cutting the lead to just 1. Fordham having gained momentum from the goal would keep the pressure, but Russo was on his game. Russo said, “I had a lot of help from my defense clearing pucks away from the net and limiting their chances.” The Friars would again capitalize late in the period on a goal by Jr. Jake Barry. Coach Lund said, “The goal was huge. It is always good going into the locker room with that momentum.”
SA would put the game away as the offense exploded scoring two goals by Jr. John Castronovo and Sr. Pat Allen within the first 45 seconds of the 3rd period taking a 5-1 lead. SA capped the scoring when Lomtevas netted his second of the game pushing the score to 6-1. Coach Lund said, “We told the guys that we needed to get more pucks on net, take away the middle of the ice and come out flying. That is exactly what the guys did.” The Friars would take game one at home 6-1 and go up 1-0 in the series.
Game two was played on 2/20 at Rye Playland, the Friars tasting a trip to the finals were looking to close out the series on the road. Feeding on the momentum from the last game, the Friars would come out on the attack and put early pressure on the goalie. Sr. Jack Barone would score to give the Friars an early 1-0 lead. Barone said, “It was a great pass by Manfre and I just fired a one-timer past the goalie.” The Friars would continue to pepper the goalie as they would out shoot Fordham by a 10-3 margin.
With 4 minutes remaining in the second period Fordham would capitalize to tie the game. The third period would become a defensive battle with each goalie coming up with big saves to keep the game tied at the end of regulation.
The Friars were aggressive in overtime but could not find the back of the net. Both goaltenders were solid as this game would be decided in the shootout. Allen scored on the 1st attempt giving SA a 1-0 advantage beating the goalie glove side. Allen said, “I waited for the goalie to make a move and I took a quick snapshot that took him by surprise.” Russo would continue his dominance and shut Fordham down over their next 5 attempts preserving the Friars victory and sending them to the finals. Russo stated, “My main focus heading into the shootout was to stay as loose, calm, and confident. I just took it shot by shot and trusted my ability. I have to give coach Lund credit, we practice the shootout in every practice for that exact reason.”
Coach Lund said, “Russo was phenomenal and kept us in every game, he stone walled five shooters to clinch the series and was lights out.”
The Friars are onto the finals against archrival Chaminade who beat Msgr. Farrell to advance. Game one will be played on Wednesday 2/25 at Dix Hills Ice Rink at 5:30, game two on Friday 2/28 at Cantiague Park at 5:45pm and game three, will be played on Monday 3/2 at Dix Hills Ice Rink at 5:20pm.
Coach Lund stated, “Against Chaminade we need to stay disciplined and stay out of the penalty box. Everyone wants to contribute, it’s important to stay focused and know your role and stick to the game plan.” Should be a great series.
Alex Rocco is a senior at St. Anthony’s High School, writing for his fourth year with the Friar Scoreboard. He will be attending Penn State University in the fall and plans to study Sports Journalism. He is also a member of NHS, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, SALT, Friar Faithful, and Franciscan Youth Ministry.
