SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sunday night, Feb. 20, was the first round of the Section II finals for high school varsity hockey. Saratoga Springs faced the La Salle Cadets and won 3-2, moving on to the quarterfinals where they played the Adirondack Rivermen.
Saratoga v. La Salle was a do-or-die game, and both teams were highly motivated to win. Saratoga’s Patrick Kenney scored in the first period, assisted by Frank Klaus. La Salle responded to Kenney’s goal with their own in the second. Saratoga’s Huck Patton scored early in the third period with Luke Henderson and Matt Risetto assisting Patton’s efforts. While Saratoga fans were lulled into a false sense of security, La Salle quickly retaliated, trying the game 2-2. The first two overtime periods were stressful for fans on both sides of the red line, but Jake Badar finally sealed Saratoga’s fate with a shot from the point that zinged directly past the La Salle goalie’s head.
Saratoga advanced to play the Adirondack Rivermen in the quarterfinals. The game was a nail-bitter for Saratoga fans who witnessed two previous losses this season against the strong Adirondack team. The Blue Streaks put forth a great effort against the 3rd seed. Grady Frasier scored the first goal for Saratoga assisted by Luke Henderson to keep Toga competitive. Saratoga’s second goal was scored by Huck Patton. It was a tight game until the third period when Adirondack pulled ahead to ultimately win 6-2, ending the season for Saratoga.
The Section II Finals on March 1 at Union College was a matchup between #1 seed Shenendehowa and #3 seed Adirondack. The Shenendehowa Plainsman claimed the Section II title with 7-2 win.
