Wood Ice Hockey Falls Short in Tournament Opener

The following was provided by Deborah Rosica, a parent from the Archbishop Wood Ice Hockey Team:

The Viking Icemen came up a little short in their first Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament game against CB East Thursday night at the Rink at Warwick.  

After freshman Evan Capinas got Archbishop Wood the lead with an impressive goal at the 13:36 mark of the first period, CB East responded with three quick goals. Capinas then got Wood within one by scoring his second goal with 17 seconds left in the first period. 

East took another two-goal lead in the second, then scored their fifth goal at the start of the third to put the Patriots up 5-2.  Archbishop Wood, not to be denied, rallied with a power play goal by Nick Patton and two hard-fought goals by Ryan Meinke goals assisted by Shane Freeman, Johnathon Rosica and Troy Potts, knotting the game at 5.  However, a Patriot goal by Austin Chase with 38.5 seconds left in the game put CB East back on top.

Wood went up on a two man advantage with 21 seconds to play and were close to tying the game but it just wasn't enough, and the game ended with East taking the win 6-5.

Archbishop Wood Coach Sam Gallen saw some positives in the loss.  "Obviously, we would have wanted to win, or even tie this game.  The coaches saw some things that we need to work on but was also saw a lot of things that are encouraging." 

Gallen continued "We out shot them 38 to 29 and saw some solid efforts across the board.  Nick DeRosa made some tough saves and freshmen Evan Capinas and Tim Cordero showed the promise we were hoping for.  Bailey Nixon, Troy Potts and Kevin Tiers had solid games and our other seniors played with the determination and poise we need moving forward into the season."

The tournament continues next Friday with Archbishop Wood taking on perennial SHSHL powerhouse CB South at 8:30 p.m. at the Rink at Warwick.

This is the fifth year for this benefit tournament organized by Central Bucks South Ice Hockey Coach Tom Coyne in memory of his mother, who lost her battle to cancer some years ago.  

Some of the area’s top high school hockey teams participate each year.  This year’s teams include Central Bucks East, Central Bucks South, Council Rock South, Council Rock North, North Penn, William Tennent and Archbishop Wood.