CK Senior Skaters Go Out In Style

It was Senior Night last Wednesday at the Wallace Ice Arena when Carnbrook (15-7-2, 7-3-2) faced off with perennial Division II powerhouse Trenton (17-5-1) and the seniors shined.  “We really got a great effort from the seniors tonight.  This is a great way to head into the playoffs, we will need their leadership and example as we move on,” commented Head Coach Andy Weidenbach.

Although both teams were playing an up tempo but disciplined style of play, neither team was able to find the back of the net in the early goings of the 1^st period.  At the 2:28 mark of the period, senior co-captain Scott Williams put the Cranes up 1-0 when he tapped the puck past the Trenton goaltender after taking a pass from senior Josh Mastracci.  “That first goal is always important.  Scott has worked hard for us all year and it paid off tonight.  Josh doesn’t get a lot of ice time but he certainly makes the most of it,” added Weidenbach.  Seniors Chris Harnadek and Gregg Leonardo combined for the next goal with 1:10 left in the period.  They teamed up for what might have been the best passing play of the season.  Leonardo’s pass caught Harnadek in full stride in the slot and Harnadek glided the puck past Trenton goaltender Evan Plassman to put CK up 2-0 at the end of the 1^st.

After a scoreless 2^nd period, the Cranes wasted little in the 3^rd period to extend their lead.  Once again Harnadek’s shot from just inside the left faceoff circle seemed to handcuff the Trenton goalie.  Leonardo and junior Will Miller were credited with the helpers on the goal.

Trenton’s Ryan Kelley scored midway through the 3^rd period to close the gap to 3-1, but Cranbrook goaltender senior Matt Hansberry was able to shut Trenton out the rest of the way.  Miller added an empty net goal at the end to make the final 4-1 in the Cranes favor.

“It was a good outing against a good opponent.  The defense played one of their best games as a unit and the offense was productive.  Hansberry finished strong and even the powerplay showed signs of improvement.  We need to continue to improve to be successful,” explained Weidenbach.

Graduating Seniors: Henry Gembis Matt Hansberry, Chris Harnadek, Shota Hotta, Joe Jacoby, Josh Mastracci, Aaron Rivkin, Adam Wells, Scott Williams