The skating Cadets of LaSalle Institute were playing on consecutive days for the first time since the Mohawks tournament on December 26-27. Not only that, but they were coming off a disappointing loss to Burnt Hills-Ballston Spa last night, and, so far this season, LaSalle has not had a losing streak.
The Adirondack (formerly Tri-Falls) Rivermen provided the opposition on Senior Night, in front of a raucous crowd at Conway Rink, inside the McDonough Sports Complex at Hudson Valley Community College. The game was mistakenly advertised for a 6:45 start, but that was actually meant for Senior Night ceremonies. The game itself got underway shortly after 7, although the program read it would be the usual starting time of 7:15.
The Rivermen came out with an aggressive, swarming defense that frustrated the Cadets. However, after a scoreless first period, Matt Luke put the hosts on the board, knocking one past Adirondack goalie Cory Parker for a 1-0 lead. Later in the period, after having served a penalty, Sam Brendese rifled a shot past Parker to increase the lead to 2-0. Just before the end of the period, Ryan Murray added a power play goal to give LaSalle a 3-0 lead through two periods.
When the third period started, senior goalie Casey Boone was lifted in favor of freshman Leo Paul, the only other netminder on the Cadets' roster. Boone finished with 12 saves, but Paul couldn't preserve the shutout. With his team trailing 4-0 after Luke netted his second goal of the game, Willis Bickford scored for Adirondack. However, Murray answered just 14 seconds later with his second of the night. Ballgame over. With Queensbury idle, LaSalle moves back into second place with a 5-1 verdict.
LaSalle closes its home schedule vs. Queensbury on Tuesday, with a chance to lock down the 2nd seed in the playoffs. At 11-2-2 (13-4-2 overall), LaSalle should still be considered a favorite to repeat as Section II champs.
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