2/5/16
Iroquois 1
Lewport 4
Coming into the final three games of the season Iroquois was looking to
build momentum going into the playoffs. The 2/5/16 tilt against Lewport at
Lockport’s Cornerstone Arena was the first test in the what was a busy
weekend. While the outcome of the game was a 4-1 loss the score doesn’t
tell the whole story. Getting his third start of the season was rookie
netminder Tyler Pache. Pache thwarted many good rushing attacks by Lewport
throughout the game in particular a terrific glove save late in the third
period. Throughout the game Iroquois dominated the play with significant
zone time and puck pressure which resulted in Iroquois outshooting Lewport
31-17. Occasionally, opposing teams have a hot goalie and that certainly
was the case this game. The chances to score existed but unfortunately were
stifled. Coming off a scary injury with some great plays was defensewoman
Alexis Missel. She was certainly missed along the back line. Offensively,
while not on the scoresheet Bryce Yorke, Colton Czajka and Alden sophomore
Eric Mattoon all play strong two way games. Scoring the lone goal was
sophomore Captain Sam Rider from Spencer Hyrnczak.
2/6/16
Iroquois 4
St. Joes White 4
Coming off a tough loss the night before against Lewport, Iroquois looked to
focus on the positives takeaways and move forward. Playing against the
always competitive St. Joes team the junior Chiefs did just that. St. Joes
is a perennial power in whatever hockey league they compete in with 100’s of
players trying out for one of their five school hockey teams. Iroquois
hockey program numbers, while not tenth of that of their opponent, refused
to beat on this day. The 4-4 seesaw battle which saw three lead changes,
Iroquois JV held a one goal lead late into the third period. Freshman
defensemen Cole Miller lead the way playing big minutes down the stretch
with many smart clearing attempts and heads up rushes out the Iroquois end.
Offensively, Josh Harris and Dylan Schiffhauer were formidable throughout
the game with their aggressive style of play frustrating the Marauders.
Providing some quality forward depth was Zack Murphy. In goal, Andrew Zelak
of Alden, was precise and calm under pressure. St. Joe’s mounted waves of
offensive rushes many of which were handled with ease by the Iroquois
backstop.
2/8/16
Iroquois 2
Kenmore West 2
In the final game of the season Iroquois took played the always accomplished
Kenmore West squad. Coming off the outstanding tie two nights before the
junior Iroquois looked to end their season on a high note and they did not
disappoint. Playing a bend but don’t break style Iroquois JV never quit and
battled back from two different one goal deficits. In what was their final
JV game the sophomore leaders stepped up and delivered. The top line of
Spencer Hyrnczak, Sam Rider and Josh Harris all contributed in big ways as
they have all year long. On the blueline, Mike McGrath, Mike Mueller, Dylan
Giancarlo and Cole Miller helped stymie the relentless Kenmore attack.
Scoring the goals for Iroquois were Luke Pukalo and Sam Rider.
Finally, in goal Andrew Zelak, saved his best for last. His command of the
goal area was apparent from the opening faceoff and continued throughout the
evening. Zelak was the star of the game tonight making 34 saves many of
which were difficult. With the final game complete the JV Chiefs finished
the regular season with a 4-9-3 record.
