The Iroquois Alden Varsity Chiefs traveled to Long Island, New York this past weekend to compete in the Varsity Club Team Championships.
For the first game, the Chiefs faced Levittown. The Chiefs started the game with a quick goal by Luke Pukalo assisted by Ryan Nehls. The second goal of the first period was scored by Nate Mathis assisted by Dan Porzio ad Spencer Hrynczak. In the second period, the Chiefs Alex Held buried one assisted by Nathan Nuwer. The fourth goal was scored by Nathan Mathis assisted by Spencer Hrynczak. With an assist by Nate Mathis, Dan Porzio hit the back of the net less than a minute into the third period. The final goal was scored by Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Alex Held. Throughout the game the Chiefs goalie Colton DeGrace was strong in net holding Levittown off to only one goal for the game.
In game two, Iroquois / Alden faced Friend’s Academy. In another stellar performance by the Chiefs defense, headed by goalkeeper Matt Majeski, the team put it to he Quakers with a 6-0 win. Starting off slow, the Chiefs scored only 1 goal in the first period by Luke Pukalo assisted by Ryan Nehls. In the second period, the Chiefs put it to the Quakers with a goal by Ryan Nehls assisted by Cam Giancarlo. With 2 minutes left in the second period, Dylan Giancarlo and Nate Mathis assisted to Nate Porzio who buried it for a solid goal. Less than a minute later, the Chiefs Alex Held assisted by Josh Harris and Dylan Giancarlo rounded out the second to make it 4-0. The third period showed a power play goal unassisted by Spencer Hrynczak. Finishing the Chiefs scoring with his second for the night was Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Jamie Bonn.
Game three proved to be a challenge for the Chiefs. Playing against Syosset Braves seeded first in the Nassau County HIgh School League, the Chiefs dropped their first game of the tournament by a score of 4-3 in double overtime. Chiefs started the scoring quickly in the first shift with a goal from Nate Mathis assisted by Dan Porzio. The second goal of the game was scored by Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Colton Czajka. Syosset answered with three unanswered goals taking the lead. Late in the third period, Nate Mathis scored with an assist by Dan Porzio tying the game. The first five minute sudden death overtime was scoreless, but the Chiefs controlled the play without giving up a shot on goal. Syosset scored the final goal in three on three sudden death overtime.
Two wins and one loss were enough to advance the Chiefs to the semifinal game against Syosset. This rematch showed Syosset scoring first at the 3:02 mark. The Chiefs rallied back with Dan Porzio. Scoring at the 1:59 mark with an assist from Cam Giancarlo. Scoring for Iroquois in the second period was Dan Porzio, scoring his second of the game, assisted by Dylan Giancarlo. Iroquois scored their third goal short handed. Alex Held stole the puck scoring unassisted. Continuing the scoring in the third period, Alex Held scored his second of the game assisted by Josh Harris. Chiefs advanced to the final with a 4-2 win.
In the final, played against Dunkirk Fredonia, the Chiefs battled hard. After a going down 2-0 in the first period, the Chiefs controlled most of the play in the second and third periods. Scoring for the Chiefs late in the third period was Spencer Hrynczak assisted by Daniel Porzio. Although a valiant effort, the Chiefs fell to the Steelers 2-1.
Overall, the Iroquois Alden Chiefs experienced an excellent 2016-2017 season and are already looking forward to next years season. The team recognizes their winning season was made possible thanks to the generosity of Peter Wilson. Special thanks to Coach Reinig, Coach Giambra, Coach Stenzel, Team Managers Sheryl Held and Cheryl Harris, as well as all the parents and fans. Go Chiefs!
