Oswego, NY – The Rudy’s Mite B team faced some tough road games in recent action, according to Head Coach Todd Donahue.
The Rudy’s squad faced off against a traditionally strong Camillus lineup at the Skaneateles Ice Pavilion. The team suffered a 2-1 loss on a last minute goal by Camillus. Rudy’s Forward Spencer Stepien put Oswego on the board with a break away goal at the 8:02 mark of the third period, off an assist by C.J. Watts, but Camillus answered with the game winner late in the period. Goalie Hunter Lawton had 18 saves in the loss.
“Despite the loss the team played awesome,” said Donahue, “The hustle, intensity and desire was outstanding. All of the kids are understanding their positions, the game of hockey, and are all playing solid hockey against a lot of really good teams.”
Abbie Yurkon of Rudy’s found the net in the second period at 3:49, assisted by Aiden Caroccio. Danny Donahue was in net and recorded 8 saves.
“The kids came out aggressive and worked hard,” stated Donahue. “Despite the outcome they played tough, and I am proud of them.”
Rudy’s then went back on the road for the Saratoga Knights Hockey Tournament. In their first game against Warwick, of Rhode Island, the team had a tough 3-2 loss. Danny Donahue put Rudy’s on the board in the second period at the 8:03 mark, off an assist by Jeremy Susino. Jeremy Susino earned another point with his own goal at 8:01 of third period, assisted by Aiden Caroccio and Tyler O’Grady. Rudy’s Goalie Joe DiBlasi had 14 saves in the game.
In their second game of the tournament, the Rudy’s squad went up against the host team Saratoga Knights. Despite their strong effort and Tommy Back’s 14 saves, they fell to the Saratoga team 5-0.
In the third game of the weekend, Hunter Lawton made 13 saves against the Clifton Park team. The Rudy’s squad fell to Clifton Park with a final score of 5-0.
“They were tough games and tough competition to say the least,” said Donahue. “But, our team had a lot of great opportunities, were aggressive with the puck, and fell short to some strong defenses.”
“ Bryson Bush, Tommy Back, and Tyler O’Grady contributed greatly to our defense with their hustle and backchecking,” added Donahue. “And, the overall play of Marcus Baker, Erica Greene, Ashley St. John and Cole Cullinan during our stretch of games helped as well.”
The consolation game had the Rudy’s team once again facing off against Saratoga. The Knights jumped out to 2-0 lead near the end of the first period, before adding 3 more goals in the second. Rudy’s Forward Spencer Stepien answered with a snap shot from the left side of the net to put Rudy’s on the board. Despite eventually losing 5-1, Rudy’s Goalie Hunter Lawton shut down the opponents in the final period, and registered 18 saves for the game.
“The team showed a tremendous amount of work ethic and sportsmanship throughout the tournament,” said Coach Donahue. “They went up against great teams, and really showed me the character and determination each of our kids have.
NOTE: All Photos courtesy of Rose O’Grady
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