Springfield Blue advance to Elementary Ice playoff finals
The elementary Blue ice hockey team won a hard fought battle against Haverford 6-3 to advance to the playoff finals.
Play was tight through most of the game. Aidan Smith started the scoring in the first with his first of three goals on the night. Justin Bush notched two goals, assisted by Ronan Plummer and Nicky Medwid.
Helping net minder Lachlan Plummer look sharp was a solid defense of Zack Isetts, Aidan Shandley and Nate Bauman who stymied the Haverford offense time after time.
Versatile Matthew Shandley had an impressive night on the blue line. Ronan Plummer went top shelf in the third for the game winner. Young guns Luca Dimarcantonio, Shane Knoell and Adam Bauman all produced great pressure on offense, helping the Cougar squad keep the play in the Haverford end. Aidan and Ryan Kertis made their presence known with many opportunities along with Stephen Rice who gets stronger with every shift.
Springfield Gold
The Gold Cougars stormed into the playoff tournament as the number three seed and quickly dispatched of the Ridley Raiders with a thrilling 6-5 victory.
Brendan McCloskey and Steven Griffin led the way, each picking up three points.
Domonic Carbonetta picked a great stage to score his first goal on the season, and young Connor Rysak picked up a key assist.
Thomas Yocum and Ronnie Delfera also added assists, and the rest of the Cougars turned in a playoff worthy effort.
The win moved the Cougars into the second round to face Strath Haven. John-Paul Ahearn had a big five-point night with four goals and an assist. Carbonetta continued his hot streak with his second goal.
Yocum and Jack Spence were stellar on defense, and Yocum picked up an assist, as did offensive wizard Steven Griffin.
Forwards Ryan O'Connor, Delfera, Eric Agan and Riley Garrison played key minutes in both wins gaining some valuable playoff experience, while Brendan McCloskey played two of his best games in the tourney.
Johnny Carafa stepped into a new role and played defense like he has been there all season. He teamed with Connor Rysak and Mikey "Magic" Ahearn to hold down the Springfield zone and frustrate the Strath Haven skaters.
The star of this game was goalie
Danny McGill; he stopped all twenty-three shots he faced with many outstanding saves that shows why he is considered one of the best in the league.