This Wednesday the Masuk Panthers boys hockey team took the ice against the Shepaug Spartans in an SWC semi-finals matchup. The Spartans came into the game a heavy underdog, sitting at an 8-9 record, while the Panthers boasted an impressive 14-1-2 on the season. In their previous two matchups this regular season, Masuk came out on top 5-1 the first game and 7-2 the second game.
Masuk started the game off fast by scoring two goals in the first three minutes of the game, courtesy of Drew Scalia for the first and Nick Kondub for the second. After a string of great saves by both teams goalies, Masuks AJ Michetti was able to add a third Panthers goal. Scalia was able to chalk up his second goal of the period with a goal shortly after Michetti’s, with six minutes to play in the period. Shepaug, attempting to dig out of an early hole, was able to capitalize off of a counter attack with a goal with 3 minutes in the period, ending the first period in a 4-1 Masuk lead.
The scoring would slow down for both sides to start the second quarter. Masuk’s Alex May would break this slump with a breakaway goal with 6 minutes to play in the period. Following up May’s goal would be Christian LaBella making his mark in the box score, adding a Masuk goal with 1 minute remaining in the period. Masuk sat on a comfortable 6-1 lead heading into the third period.
When ask how they were able to keep Shepaug scoreless for 18 minutes, Senior defenseman Austin Braiwea said,
“We played good system hockey, locked down the front of the net and kept the puck out of our end for the majority of the game.”
Unfortunately for Shepaug, the comeback never came anywhere close. Masuk’s Luke Kondub scored a goal to begin the third period, and towards the waning moments of the game, Drew Scalia tacked on his third goal of the game. After the game I was able to speak with Scalia about how he feels going into the SWC final after a dominant 3 goal performance.
“Feeling great, team has been playing well together, definitely some better competition in this next game but still won’t affect how we play and as long as we play our game good things will come our way.”
The Masuk Panthers triumphed to a dominate 8-1 victory over the Shepaug Spartans
Masuk Free Press 