Photos and Story by Janet Schultz
In spite of a Pandemic the WNYGVIH League has their first week in the record book. The standings find Monsignor Martin and Williamsville tied in first place with 2 wins and no losses in two games played, but close behind and a new threat to the standings as we have known them, Niagara County with three games played and a 2-1 record.
Williamsville opened the scoring Thursday afternoon when Vanessa Willick scored, unassisted at 13:41 of the first period. But that did not deter Niagara County, Natalie Lawrence answered back, assisted by Amanda Jackson to tie the game at 1. However, Williamsville secured a good lead with two more goals from Aizah-Rose Thompson, both assists from Ellie Schau. First period ends 3-1 in favor of Williamsville.
Second period found Williamsville with two goals, both on the powerplay, coming off the sticks of Willick and Thompson. Assists were credited to Schau and Diana Martucci, respectfully. Not only did Thompson garner the game-winner at this point, she also had a hattrick.
Niagara County isn’t to be taken lightly and answered back with two goals in the third period. Kayla Persinger scored on the powerplay, assisted by Jackson and Mallone. Taking the score up another notch was Mallone assisted by Natalie O’Brien and Faith O’Connor. However, Niagara County pulled goaltender Mariela Mulready and Kiersten Smith gave Williamsville an empty netter and a 6 – 3 win.
Elizabeth Timby saved 29 of 32 shots for Williamsville and Mulready made 28 of 33.
Across town at Holiday LID took on Kenmore/Grand Island. Scoring game from Morganne Dee, Hailey Keppner, Brook Warren and Sara O’Donnell. Keppner had the game-winner at 9:05 of the second period. Assists went to Keppner (2), Dee (3), O’Donnell (3). Goaltender Dylan Gorski stopped 24 of 25 sog.
Scoring for Kenmore/Grand Island was Isabelle Bourgeault, assisted by Emiliana Cassillo and Isabella Jayme. In goal was Carolyn Bourgeault who made 26 saves on 31 shots.
Monsignor Martin handed FLOP their first loss this season in a 4-2 game.
After a scoreless first period FLOP scored one goal and Monsignor Martin dropped in three taking the second period to a 3-1 close.
Kathleen Dougherty scored unassisted for FLOP.
Scoring for MMHSAA were Mia Boyd (2) and Camryn Brownschidle. Assists went to Lara Beecher(2) and Boyd. Boyd’s second goal that period was the game winning goal, scored on the powerplay.
In the third period FLOP’s Gabby Messing scored, assisted by Dougherty and Emily Patton. For MMHSAA it was Beecher, a shorthanded goal; assisted by Brownschidle.
Goaltender Sophia Will made 13 saves on 15 shots for MMHSAA and Kerri McCarthy stopped 26 of 30 shots.
At the end of February 18 the standings put MMHSAA and Williamsville at the top; followed by Niagara County, FLOP, LID, CASH, Kenmore/Grand Island and HEWS.
But, as well all know, anything in this League can change on any given day.
Next week, we open with Niagara County at CASH (Northtowns) at 5 p.m. and LID at HEWS at Riverworks at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22.
Tuesday is a single game night with Williamsville at Kenmore/Grand Island at Lincoln Arena at 7:40 p.m. It will be KGI’s Senior Night.
LID will host CASH on LID’s Senior Night at Holiday at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Thursday, Feb. 25 is a double-header with HEWS at FLOP at 4:30 p.m. at Hamburg Nike Arena and Williamsville at Monsignor Martin, 4:30 p.m. at North Buffalo. FLOP will hold their Senior Night at Thursday’s game.
In other girl’s hockey notes:
…Massena Varsity is ready to start practice next week so they can start their season.
…The Lake Effect Tournament, a spring invitational, will be held March 26-28. For information contact Jason Fowler, 814-746-2703. Games will be held at Erie Bank Sport Park.
…Congratulations to Valley Youth Hockey Association’s Elly Gamble on her commitment to play for SUNY Morrisville.
