Caruso’s Lucky Number

HAUPPAUGE N.Y. (LISN) – Junior J.T. Caruso lit the lamp the power play before scoring the game winning goal in overtime to lift the Northport-Huntington Tigers (2-1) to a 3-2 victory over the Connetquot-Sayville T-Birds (1-1-1). Caruso has now scored three game winning goals in overtime for Northport-Huntington. The Tiger star scored both goals, in the 1st period and overtime respectively, with 3:46 left on the clock. He has five goals and three assists on the season.

Junior Ayden Shear scored his first career varsity goal for Northport-Huntington. Freshman Jose Walter added two assists, including the primary on the overtime game winner. Junior Boden Rudloff allowed two goals against in his first win of the season.

Sophomore Gavin Beisel scored his first career varsity goal for Connetquot-Sayville. Senior Andrew Snyder found the back of the net for his second of the season. Senior Richie Westhoff had another strong start for the T-Birds, but is still searching for his first career varsity win.

Northport-Huntington went on the power play with 5:48 left in the opening frame after Sophomore Joe Villani was called for slashing. Under two minutes later, Senior Eathan Brdey was sent to the box for tripping. Connetquot-Sayville managed to kill off the ensuing 24 second five on three advantage, before Caruso scored to give Northport-Huntington a 1-0 lead with 3:46 left in the 1st period. Caruso dangled past the defender before he rifled one under the shoulder of Westhoff.

The T-Birds went on the power play at the start of the second stanza after Junior Patrick Schmidt was called for cross checking, but Rudloff and the Tigers successfully killed off the penalty. With 11:38 left in the 2nd period, Beisel scored to tie the game. Junior Josh King fed it to Junior Paul Wagner, who fired a shot that was stopped by Rudloff before Beisel buried the rebound.

Shear answered back to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead with 10:21 left in the 3rd period. Shear forced a turnover beneath the goal line before firing a quick shot that beat Westhoff. Shear was knocked to the ice as the puck crossed the goal line, but was quick to get up and celebrate with his teammates.

With under two minutes remaining, the T-Birds pulled Westhoff in favor of an extra attacker. Junior Logan Booth Alum carried the puck into the zone entry, circling beneath the goal line, and dropped it off for Brdey. Snyder then streaked into the slot to receive a pass from Brdey, before pulling up and sniping stick side high to send it to overtime.

Caruso netted the game winner with 3:46 left in overtime. Walter entered the zone, beat the defender with his hands, and made a slick backhand pass to Caruso for the tap in goal.

Three Stars of the Game

1st Star J.T. Caruso (PPG, GWG)

2nd Star Aydan Shear (G)

3rd Boden Rudloff (OTW, 2GA)