Mr. Ice Hockey posted on February 08, 2019 23:27
Cherokee built a 4-1 late into the second period and held off a hard charging Washington Township team for a 5-3 victory. The win puts the Chiefs in the finals against Moorestown, on Monday night. Jacob Bianchi scored twice and Jake Frankenfield added four assists to pace the offense. Chad Castorina led Township with two goals. Castorina put Township up 1-0 six minutes into the game as he scored down low putting home a shot by Matt Kennedy. The Chiefs responded on the power play as Bianchi got his first of the night three minutes later. Cherokee would build its lead over a six minute span of the second period.
After Bianchi’s second goal of the night gave the Chiefs the lead for good at 2-1 with five minutes played, Dustin Patterson responded twenty three seconds later on a great set-up from Frankenfield and Jack Ellis. Leading 3-1 Township needed to respond and despite a few opportunities they saw Cherokee get a goal from Darren Ambrose with four minutes left in the period and a 4-1 advantage. You could sense the Township faithful losing some steam but given a chance on the power play Castorina cashed in with nine seconds left to make it 4-2 and suddenly Township had life. Then in the opening seconds of the third Township went on the power play again and Andrew McGinley scored to make it 4-3. Now with momentum and the crowd back into it Township had 2 power play opportunities, back to back but failed to generate many shots. Sam Berger scored into an empty net in the final minute to end the season for Township.
Notes: Frankenfield was all over the ice creating scoring chances and when he gambled down low getting back quickly, getting contributions from all lines tonight was the difference and Cherokee will need the same if they want to defeat Moorestown, twice. Congratulations to Township on a good season, they will be participating in the Flyers Cup and will face Eastern in the first round.
Written by Mike Costantino