Syracuse, N.Y. — It was business as usual for Skaneateles in Monday night’s Division II ice hockey final against Whitesboro.
Just as it did in last season’s sectional final against Cortland-Homer, the top-seeded Lakers built a 3-0 lead in the first period, before ultimately cruising to their second consecutive sectional championship with a 5-1 win over the No. 2 Warriors.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Lakers rushed the rink to celebrate the program’s fourth sectional title in the last five seasons.
Monday’s match-up marked the third meeting between Skaneateles and Whitesboro. The Lakers won the first game in a shutout and prevailed in overtime during the second game.
“Nothing changed in all three games. Our goal is to stick to what we do well and we think we’ll be okay," said Skaneateles coach Mitch Major. "Whitesboro is a good team. They gave us a tough time at home and fortunately we were able to get some pucks by their goalie.”
The action didn’t begin until the 6:50 mark of the first period, when a costly turnover by Whitesboro led to the first goal of the night by Skaneateles sophomore forward Garrett Krieger.
“If you get the first goal, it’s always a big momentum change,” said Lakers junior forward Charlie Russell, who scored the other two goals in the first period.
The first was scored with just under three minutes remaining as freshman forward Charlie Major passed to a trailing Russell, who zipped a shot through the goal without much difficulty.
As the first period was winding down, Krieger tried to score again but was unable to convert. However, Russell was right behind him for the rebound to give the Lakers a commanding 3-0 lead to end the first period.
Major said he’s been blessed with very good lines over his coaching career, but credited the chemistry of his current group of forwards.
“They really compliment each other well,” Major said. “Like I always say about good lines, they normally get along with each other, too, but it’s not just one line. Cole Heintz is a huge factor and he makes other teams worry.”
Senior defender Andrew Manley scored the lone goal for Whitesboro at the 4:07 mark of the third period.
Skaneateles finished with a 36-15 shots on goal advantage.
Before the game, the Division II all-stars were announced and included seven players from Skaneateles and three players from Whitesboro.
Krieger, Russell, Major, Heintz, Cam Lowe, Jack Henry and Adam Casper rounded out the selections for the Lakers.
The honorees for the Warriors were Manley, Noah Scranton and Cameron Manley.
Both teams will advance to the state tournament since Section III owns the at-large bid in Division II this year.
Skaneateles will play a regional game against Section VI champion Starpoint at Buffalo State College, while Whitesboro will face Rye of Section I.
“I think the confidence is high, but we also know how quickly it can end,” Major said. "Our road is not going to be easy. We have to get back to practice tomorrow and get ready for Starpoint on Saturday.
Contact Mike Curtis anytime at mcurtis@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @MikeACurtis2.
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