A mix of inconsistent play and penalties led to a 4-1 defeat for the boys varsity hockey team on Saturday afternoon. Despite sustained pressure for most of the third period, the Bears were unable to overcome their deficit.
The lone goal of the first period went to Hilton, who scored on a powerplay. A defenseman’s point shot flew to the net, and a rebound was stuffed home by a waiting forward.
Hilton doubled its lead midway through the second after a forced turnover at the red line that resulted in a breakaway. Just two minutes later, Hilton scored a third on a deflection that squeezed past junior goaltender Griffin Coakley.
Canton cut into the lead near the end of the second, when junior forward Robert Palmer found the back of the net thanks to a setup from junior forward Owen Palmer.
Despite an onslaught during the third period, including a powerplay that resulted in a half dozen shots for the Golden Bears, Hilton’s goaltender, Lennon Suplicki, was equal to the task. Suplicki finished the game with 33 saves in the Hilton win. Coakley stopped 29 in goal for Canton.
Potsdam was named winners of the Daley Memorial tournament thanks to their victory earlier on Saturday over Niagara Wheatfield, 6-2.
The Bears travel to Vermont next weekend for their annual appearance in the Doc Tulip Holiday tournament, where they will take on Bellows Free Academy and Essex.
Photos courtesy of Shelly Pike can be found here.
