Iroquois 6
Tonawanda/North Tonawanda 3
12/10 Niagara Falls Hyde Park
Hockey is an exciting game. There is non stop action and poetic movement all taking place on frozen water.
On Saturday night the Iroquois Junior Varsity Chiefs played their most exciting game of the year. Starting slowly and getting behind quickly 2-0 in the first period the Chiefs regrouped and found their scoring touch. Pouring in three straight goals were forwards Mitchell Carlson, Ben Plonka and Jack Zienski (both with their first career high school goals). These goals were the result of a tremendous forecheck and heads-up defensive puck rushing. Contributing helpers on these goals were Paul Fitzgerald and Dalton Trites. After an unfortunate bounce went in the net against Iroquois the game entered the third period tied up at three. At that point the Chiefs proved their superiority by commanding the play TNT zone. It was an impressive display of smart hockey, physical dominance and skill. Scoring the second of his three goals to start the period was Mitchell Carlson from new found defensemen Tyler ODonnell. Scoring next off a beautiful shot from the right faceoff dot was Paul Fitzgerald with an assist from Shane Gusterferro. Finally, with his first hat trick of his high school career Carlson pounced on a rebound with help from Fitzgerald and Gusterferro. While the scoresheet serves its purpose it doesn’t capture the true essence of the game. Playing down three players all of the players on the Chiefs chipped in on the victory. Bryce Yorke had his most physical game of his career while Austin Baker had more than a few chances to extend the Iroquois lead. Backstopping the entire game was goalie Zack Vitez. Vitez overcame some unfortunate plays early and allowed the Junior Chiefs to focus scoring goals.
Current record stands at 4-4.
