Is order being restored in the Capital District High School Hockey League? If last weekend’s results are any indication, the answer is yes.
Friday, Jan. 20
Bethlehem 6, CBA 1
After going winless through its first three league games, Bethlehem (3-2-1 league, 9-4-1 overall) seems to have turned the corner. First, the Eagles dismantled Shaker/Colonie 8-3 on Jan. 14. Then, they kept the momentum going with a five-goal victory over what had been a fairly game CBA squad. Thomas Liebold lit the lamp three times, and Hayes Meredith tallied twice for Bethlehem. Goaltender Brandon Mohrhoff did what he could for CBA (5-3-0, 7-7-1), stopping 30 of the 36 shots he faced. For a photo gallery from this game, click here.
Shenendehowa 4, Guilderland/Mohonasen/Scotia/Voorheesville/Schalmont 0
Shen (6-2-1, 7-8-1) has outscored its opponents 9-0 since falling behind LaSalle 3-0 Wednesday, Jan. 18. Hayden Haldane had a pair of goals for the Plainsmen against GMSVS (2-9-0, 2-11-0), which did a good job of keeping the game competitive (shots were nearly even, with Shen holding a 32-25 advantage).
Tri-Falls 9, Shaker/Colonie 1
The top two goal scorers in the CDHSHL struck again and again against Shaker/Colonie (3-6-1, 3-10-1). Jordan Willis tallied five times, and Jared Thomas contributed a hat trick and three assists for Tri-Falls (4-2-0, 5-7-0).
Saturday, Jan. 21
LaSalle 5, Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa 2
People might have been wondering what LaSalle’s mindset would be like after blowing a 3-0 lead to Shen three nights earlier. But the Cadets (9-1-0, 11-1-2) showed no ill effects, as they struck twice in the third period to fend off a determined Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa side. Ryan Murray scored twice for LaSalle, while Geordan Buffoline had both goals for Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa (6-5-0, 8-6-0).
Bethlehem 7, Niskayuna/Schenectady 2
Another night, another dominating win for Bethlehem. Brian Harder led the way with two goals and an assist, and Meredith chipped in with a goal and two helpers. Goaltender Tony Cotugno had 42 saves for Niskayuna/Schenectady (3-8-0, 4-11-0).
Saratoga 4, GMSVS 1
Saratoga (5-2-0, 6-8-0) never let GMSVS get into an offensive rhythm, as the Blue Streaks outshot the Storm 38-9. Jonathan Luse had two goals and two assists for Saratoga, which has won its last three CDHSHL games. Goaltender Daniel Cooper made 34 saves for GMSVS.
The week ahead
Wednesday, Jan. 25
Saratoga at Queensbury — The Spartans (0-6-1, 3-9-1) look for their first league win of the season against the fast-charging Blue Streaks.
CBA at Tri-Falls — The Brothers will have to do their best to contain Willis and Thomas if they have any hope of beating the Rivermen.
Friday, Jan. 27
Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa at Queensbury — The Spartans host another tough league foe.
LaSalle at Saratoga — After losing to Shen last week, the Cadets could use a quality league win to strengthen their case as being Section 2’s top team. Beating the Blue Streaks at Weibel Avenue Rink would be a quality win.
Shen at Tri-Falls — Can the Rivermen trip up the red-hot Plainsmen, who have won their last six games?
Shaker/Colonie at GMSVS — The Storm have two of the best goaltenders in the league with Cooper and Jennifer Gregg. That could prove to be the difference for GMSVS against a Shaker/Colonie team that possesses a quality offense, but not much defensive support.
Saturday, Jan. 28
LaSalle at Niskayuna/Schenectady — On the heels of battling Saratoga, the Cadets catch a potential breather against a Niskayuna/Schenectady squad looking for some consistency.
Shaker/Colonie vs. CBA — The battle for Albany County Hockey Training Facility bragging rights could be a high-scoring affair.
GMSVS at Bethlehem — Depending on how well either Gregg or Cooper play, the Eagles could be in for a close game.
Saratoga at Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa — A rematch of last year’s Section 2 Division 1 final could go either way. Saratoga has the momentum, but Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa is tough and scrappy.
