The Long Island Warriors – Orange built a three-goal cushion and then withstood a furious third-period push to escape Northwell Health Ice Center with a 3-2 win over Flower City (E) on Saturday. Tom Capuano scored twice in the first period, netting the game-winner at 9:18 after opening the scoring at 12:41, with Benny Schiavi picking up assists on both goals. Mike Rivera added an insurance goal 14:45 into the third period, assisted by Chris Squires, to push the lead to 3-0.
Flower City would not go quietly. Mike Aydelotte and Joe Roshinko scored twin goals at the 10:22 mark of the third period, with Roshinko factoring in on both plays for a goal and an assist, cutting the deficit to one and turning a comfortable Orange lead into a nail-biter. John Waldecker and Joe Roshavsky each chipped in an assist during the flurry as Flower City pressed for the equalizer.
With time running out, Flower City pulled goaltender Trey Torbitt for an extra attacker, first at 6-on-4 and then 6-on-5 in the final minute, throwing everything at Orange in search of the tying goal. Orange’s defense held firm, and the clincher came with just three seconds remaining when a clearing play sealed the victory. Pat Massamillo allowed two goals in the win, while Torbitt took the loss after allowing three.
Rob Edwards was the lone penalty of the game, whistled for too many men at 7:33 of the third period, but Flower City could not convert on the ensuing chance. Both clubs entered the day 1-0, and the result moves Orange to 2-0 while Flower City drops to 1-1. With the tournament heading toward championship games, Saturday’s tight finish showed the kind of intensity both sides will need going forward.
