Site Editor posted on February 26, 2010 21:43
Alex Zucker stopped all 27 shots and Blake Hamilton scored his first goal of the season as Cherokee blanked Washington Township 2-0 at Hollydell on Friday night. The loss eliminated Township from the tournament. Township dominated the first period out-shooting Cherokee 16-2, but Zucker made several big stops, including stoning Ryan Marker down low to keep the game scoreless through the first period. Defensively Cherokee did an outstanding job in shutting down Eddie Sarin, constantly shadowing him and always putting a body on him when he tried to set-up in the slot.
The second period was all Cherokee as there offense came to life and they out-shot Township 18-7 as Brandon Cusumano did his part to keep Township in the game. Cherokee finally scored five minutes into the third period with Hamilton getting the goal and Pat Mohnacs the assist. Not needing another goal, Coach Sullivan had his team thinking defense all the way and Township would only get 4 shots the entire period. Herbie Hutchinson added an empty net goal in the final seconds.
Notes: Township forward Jonathan Smith left the game in the first period with a hand injury and did not return. During the regular season Township averaged almost 8 goals per game. In four playoff games they scored a total of 19 goals, with 10 coming in one game. The lone bright spot was the play of goalie Brandon Cusunano, just a sophomore; Township should be strong in goal over the next two seasons.
Written by Mike Costantino
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