La Salle Wins Thriller, Captures First Championship in 17 years
Photos: Sarah Martino/Sarah Martino Photography
FINAL 2OT- La Salle 6 Shen 5.
Want to talk about an emotional game? Let’s start with the fact that La Salle hockey hasn’t brought a Section 2 Championship in over 17 years. The team coming in was already having a magical season with a record of 18-2-2, the outright #1 seed. Shen on the other hand, is just as hot as the Cadets. Winning a ton of games in the final stretch. The game was played at Messa Rink and Union College. Crazy light patterns after goals, music during breaks and announcing. The professional stage was set.
Mainello was the man of the night for the Cadets, getting the game winning goal, and finding the puck, something he will cherish from a lifetime.
The Cadets opened up hot, led by Senior Sam Mulson. Putting it in the back of the net to put the Cadets up one. Following the goal by Mulson, Shen fired back to score two unanswered. Late in the second, Discanio and Rudd put the Cadets in the lead. Either team did not hold more than a one goal lead. Shen dominated the power play scoring four goals, including two in the third period that sent it to overtime. The game changed when Ryan Murray tied it at 4. La Salle would go on to score one more to take a 5-4 lead on another goal from Mulson. That gave them a lead with 3 minutes left in regulation. The Plainsmen didn’t give up, pulling in a last minute goal. With 1:48 left Shen struck on Tom Relyea’s second power play goal.
Now to the overtime periods, La Salle dominated shots on goal, outshooting Shen, 6-0. Shen goalie, Vandeloo proved he belonged in net picking up 31 saves, setting the emotional levels high heading into the second overtime.
The play of a lifetime, Discanio to Mainello. Championship. Discanio fed the puck right in the middle of the crease area, goalie on the opposite side, free puck to only Mainello who would put it in and give the Cadets the ship.
An emotional win for the La Salle Seniors, the ride doesn’t stop here. They advance to the regional tournament Saturday when they will take on Messcena, the winner of Section 10.
Livestream TBD, for now stay with Upstate Sports Zone for continued coverage of La Salle… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino- GO CADETS!!!!
