Cazenovia’s ice hockey team is already in the Section III Division II playoffs – and it wanted to make sure that Hamilton didn’t join them. The Lakers waited until the third period of Friday night’s game at the Morrisville State IcePlex to put things away – but it did, and it beat the Emerald Knights 6-1. Going into Friday’s action, Hamilton was tied with Clinton with 12 points for the fourth and final Division II East playoff berth behind New Hartford, Rome Free Academy and Cazenovia. Clinton beat Whitesboro 4-3 in overtime, so Hamilton had to win to keep up – but Cazenovia’s strong defense had other ideas. All through the first two periods, the Lakers turned back all of the Emerald Knights’ charges and protected goaltender Mason Powell, who only had to make 16 saves. Meanwhile, the Cazenovia offense made small waves and gained a 2-0 edge before the third period, when it unloaded on Hamilton goalie Brady Carroll for four goals. Leading the charge, Brian Gara picked up five total points from a three-goal hat trick plus two assists. Sam Lewis, Lucas Catania and Jim Gracean also scored, while Tom Colligan matched Gara with two assists. Single assists went to Lewis, Connor Cannizzaro, Joe Nardella and Jeff Stowell. Cazenovia could secure a playoff home game by finishing ahead of RFA for second place in Division II East – but to do that, it might need to win both of its remaining games, including a Wednesday trip to New Hartford, who has already clinched first place. The Lakers also visit Whitesboro on Thursday.