As it rampaged to a 7-0 start, the West Genesee ice hockey team had displayed complete dominance in all phases of the game, outscoring foes by a combined 43-6. This could not happen in every game, though.
The Wildcats ran into an inspired Liverpool squad last Tuesday night at venerable State Fair Coliseum and had to work hard for a 4-1 victory over the Warriors. Despite its 1-4 record, Liverpool was eager to take its shot at the reigning Section III Division I champions, playing on close to even terms in the first period and getting on the board in the second period with Matt McCaffrey’s goal. Gradually, the Wildcats would take control, overcoming Mike Sportelli’s 29 saves with a balanced, patient attack and the work of goalie Anthony Militello, who turned away 21 of the 22 shots he faced. Senior captain Ryan Michel scored once and added a pair of assists as Zach Lewis, Erich Haney and Casey Schattner earned goals, too. Tim Bubnack matched Michel’s two-assist total as Adam King also got an assist. While West Genesee basked in its eighth straight win, Solvay went to Cortland/Homer and could not get on the board in a 4-0 loss to the Eagles. Corltand/Homer maintained its Division II West lead by overcoming Ryan Bonk’s 16 saves and taking over with three goals in the third period. Carl Zimmerman led the hosts with one goal and one assist.