Junior Stanley Cup Championship
Story By: Andrew Karen
November 17th, 2007

The Garden City Hockey Junior Division held their Stanley Cup Finals Saturday, November 17th at the Community Park Roller Hockey Rink. In a highly anticipated game that pitted friends against each other the Avalanche, coached by James Crafa, challenged the Stars coached by Brian Johnston. The game would see two very evenly matched teams go head to head and it showed early in the game as both teams would get chances but both goalies were on their A game. Thomas Ilardi got the call in goal for the Avalanche to start while Danny LaRose manned the net for the Stars. The Avalanche would get on the boards first late in the first period as Thomas Trabold beat goaltender Danny LaRose and the Avs sported a 1-0 lead.

As the second period stated The Avalanche made a change in goal and went with Conner McGarry in goal. The Avalanche would double their lead when Michael Nygaard would blast a one-timer past Stars net minder LaRose. The teams would then go back and fourth with both teams getting quality scoring chances. For the Stars Nicholas Lavinio, Grant Henneberger, and Jack Fenty and Alex Franco all had quality chances. Late in the 2nd period Jack Fenty would get the Stars on the board when he came in on a breakaway and beat goaltender McGerry and we had a 2-1 hockey game after two periods of play.

As the third period started The Avalanche went back with Thomas Ilardi in goal. Both teams had chances but the defense of Liam, Gribbin, Christian Ferris, Matthew Lobasso, Samantha LaRose and Thomas Crafa stopped the offensive attacks by Avalanche players Jack Casler, Guy DeCresenso, Connor McGarry. On the other side the Avalanche got stellar defensive play from Thomas Hegeman, Matt LaGreca, and Joseph Rocco. As the final minutes of the game approached the Avalanche were still holding a one goal lead when Michael Nygaard would break in all alone and score his 2nd of the game and give the Avalanche a 2 goal lead. As the final seconds ticked down the Avalanche held on to win the championship Game by the score of 3-1.

Everyone at the rink on this brisk Saturday late afternoon will agreed it was a well played game won by the Avalanche, but more importantly each player has shown great improvement thanks to the Garden City Rec Hockey staff led by Andrew Karen. Thanks to all the coaches and refs who made this program a great success.