Editor posted on February 28, 2011 22:33
Dan Navarra after surrendering a first period goal to Eddie Sarin, stopped 18 shots in the second period and Cherokee scored three times as they defeated Washington Township 3-1 before a packed house at Hollydell. The victory spoiled Townships anticipated celebration and they must now travel to Voorhees on Wednesday night for a deciding game in this double elimination format.
Prior to the game much talk surrounded the switch of rinks playing on the Olympic side rather than the normal surface, with the Cherokee staff having concerns about an unfair advantage. But in the end, good team defense and great goaltending wins games, not the size of the rink. The flow of the game favored Cherokee throughout and when Township would mount an offensive attack, Navarra was there to shut the door. After surrendering the goal to Sarin, Township would only manage a total of 7 shots in the opening period and not many scoring opportunities.
The second period Cherokee came out and started applying pressure on goalie Ryan McCusker, who also played well for the Minutemen, and on the power play Pat Mohnacs tied the score at 1-1 converting a pass from Jason Spieker. Township found its offense in the second period and continued to fire away at Navarra, but three big saves down low late in the period kept the game tied. With a chance on the power play and Spieker in the box Township continued the pressure but Navarra was in a zone and kept the Minutemen off the board. Just as the penalty expired, Spieker picked up a loose puck and went in on a breakaway, after McCusker made the initial save, Spieker stayed with the play and put home his own rebound to give Cherokee a 2-1 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the period.
Just about one minute later Joe Brunner scored from the slot to make it 3-1 and the crowd was stunned. The third period, despite two power play opportunities, Township could not dent Navarra who stopped all 13 shots. Now with the deciding game shifting o Voorhees, the advantage is now with the Chiefs.
Notes: Township did switch up the lines as they had their top 3 scorers Sarin, Smith and Basalma on one line to try and get them going, wondering if that will be the strategy on Wednesday night?? And for a packed crowd and a majority of Township fans, it was pretty quiet for most of the game. Finally thought both officials, Mike Molino and Chris Riccardi did a good job in a big game, as we have become accustomed to when these two guys work together.
Written by Mike Costantino
More championship game photos coming soon