On Saturday night, the Masuk boys hockey team continued their win streak with a victory over Milford 9-1. With a full student section, the red army supported junior Trey Migliarese’s debut for Masuk as he helped lead the Panthers to their 9th win in a row, now sitting at first in the SWC.
“Having Trey back is nice, it gives us some needed depth up front.” Says Coach Andrew Townsend. “He’s a spark plug out there and moves really fast. He’s going to be important for our penalty killing.”
However, it was sophomore Christian Labella that started the scoring for the night, assisted by senior captain AJ Michetti only three minutes into the first. Labella, with three points in the night, assisted senior Austin Braiewa soon after, putting the Panthers up 2-0 early.
Less than a minute later, returning Migliarese scored his first goal of the season, assisted by junior James Cybart.
“It felt unreal at first because I’ve been waiting for this day since I said I was coming back to Masuk.” Says Migliarese, “It was the best feeling getting a goal with the team and town I call home. I couldn’t describe how good it made me feel but I couldn’t have done it without any of my teammates, friends, and family to support me.”
With three goals in the opening eight minutes, the Panthers kept their foot on the gas, and senior Kyle Sutfin scored an unassisted goal halfway through the period. The period closed out after senior captain Drew Scalia made it 5-0.
“I thought the boys played great, they didn’t stoop down to the level of competition they were playing,” says Townsend. “We did what we were supposed to do.”
The Panthers came out of intermission with the same intensity, and Labella opened up the period with another goal, assisted by Michetti three minutes into the 2nd. Masuk controlled possession through the night, and allowed for Scalia to assist freshman Nick Kondub, making it 7-0.
After a breakaway save by junior goaltender Andrew Guerrera, Sutfin scored his second, assisted by Cybart. However, Milford got one through halfway into the second period, ending Masuks hope of a shutout.
The 3rd period was more possession focused for the Panthers, with less shots and more defensive play. After a final goal from junior Nick Kondub to his brother Luke Kondub, Masuk let the clock run out.
With a final score of 9-1, the Panthers maintain a high ranking in the conference, and play again on Wednesday, against Newtown at the rink.
Masuk Free Press 