St. Anthony’s (VR) edged Long Beach (VR) 3-2 in a tightly contested exhibition Saturday at Northwell Health Ice Center, with Thomas Azzariti scoring twice, including the game-winner in the third period. The victory improved St. Anthony’s to 20-4 on the season, while Long Beach fell to 17-2.
Azzariti wasted no time getting on the board, opening the scoring just 38 seconds into the first period on assists from Anthony Cutalo and Zack Sirel. St. Anthony’s carried that 1-0 edge into the second, where the teams traded goals. Miles Siegel tied it for Long Beach at 8:08 with helpers from Cody Pichichero and Liam Young, but Cristian Buttacavoli answered for St. Anthony’s at 6:06, assisted by Nicholas Busa and Anthony Sorrentino, to send the game to the third tied at 1-1… wait, St. Anthony’s actually led 2-1 after that exchange.
The third period brought late drama on both ends. Liam Young knotted the score at 2-2 at 11:17 with an assist from Siegel, but Azzariti struck again less than a minute later, burying an unassisted goal at 12:05 to give St. Anthony’s the lead for good. Jordan Valcich picked up the win in goal for St. Anthony’s, allowing two goals, while Justin Mele took the loss for Long Beach, allowing three.
St. Anthony’s will look to build on this result as it continues its strong season, while Long Beach will regroup and aim to bounce back in its next outing.
