East Islip Chiefs Triumph in Another Game

Another game, another goal for Ryan Anatra but tonight was a special occasion for the East Islip Chiefs. For the first time this year, the 3-0-1 Chiefs first goal of the game was not scored by Ryan Anatra. Extra emphasis on the not. Instead Luke LaFata, who recorded eight goals and two assists last season, opened the scoring just thirty seven seconds into the first. Anthony Marazzito was credited with the sole assist on the play.

The drought came to an end for Ryan Anatra, with the Chiefs star collecting his first goal of the game with 2 minutes and forty five seconds gone by in the first. Bryan Slattery was credited the sole assist on the play. Then the floodgates opened, and the first ever Varsity Hockey team fielded by Longwood was treated to a night out on the town courtesy of Luke LaFata. The second year varsity forward had already celebrated his first ever Hatrick at the Varsity level before the midway mark of the first period. His second goal of the night and third goal of the game for East Islip, was also assisted by Anthony Marazitto. The dynamic duo’s chemistry was apparent all night. LaFata’s third goal would be assisted by Thomas Ivers and Ryan Anatra.

Thomas Ivers followed up with a goal of his own, assisted by his longtime running mate Ryan Anatra. Anthony Pepe then scored an unassisted goal, to make it a 6-0 lead on the period. Longwood Netminder Christopher Primiani made some key saves in the first period, but no player in the Suffolk County Hockey League can contain the force of nature that is Ryan Anatra. Corey McGovern was solid in net, when called upon for East Islip.

Second Period Highlights

In the second period, Bryan Slattery scored an unassisted goal to make it 7-0. East Islip’s unending barrage of shots continued, but Christopher Primiani stood tall in net. A beautiful save on a breakaway opportunity midway through the second, marked a distinct change in pace for the young team. Battling along the boards and winning puck battles, the Lions started to create pressure on the other end of the ice. A penalty by Thomas Ivers sent Longwood to the power play, but the Lions failed to capitalize on it while East Islip’s Anthony Marazitto netted a beautiful short handed goal. Shortly thereafter, Evan LaFata who led the East Islip Junior Varsity program in points last year, notched his first goal of the game. Ryan Anatra collected the only assist on that goal. Jack Dolson scored an unassisted goal to make it ten nothing. Christopher Lawlor than committed a penalty for interference. Anthony Pepe scored a short handed goal to make it 11-0 with assists being registered by Thomas Ivers and Jack Dolson.

Third Period Highlights

Still on the wrong side of the law to start the third period, the East Islip Chiefs killed off the remainder of Christopher Lawlor’s interference penalty. Luke LaFata then scored his fourth goal, assisted by Ryan Anatra and Thomas Ivers. Then came Anthony Marazitto with his second goal of the night, assisted by Ryan Anatra and Evan LaFata. Ryan Anatra then scored an unassisted goal to make it 15-0. Then the Longwood Lion’s Nicolas Gigante scored their first and only goal of the game, assisted by a between the legs pass by Brandon Scheurmann with a secondary assist from Aydan Azmoun.

Looking Forward

For a Longwood program in its first year and seeking its first win, this was not their night. Lions faithful still have a lot to look forward to though. Brandon Scheurmann continues to create havoc for his opponents on both ends of the ice while Nicolas Gigante continues to impress in his first year at the varsity level. The wins will come in time, this is a team that continues to defy expectations at every level. With a strong developmental program in place, a solid junior varsity team and a young core at the varsity level the best is yet to come. There will be growing pains, because all players and teams mature at different rates. The Varsity division’s newest entrant is no exception.

But with a new rink opening in Riverhead, run by former P.A.L Junior Islanders and Long Island Royals coach Jack Grieg, the future is bright for Longwood. The kids are starting to lace it up, and this year’s Longwood program will pave the way for future success.

Stars of the Game

Honorable mentions go to Ryan Anatra who had 2 goals and four assists tonight, and Thomas Ivers who had one goal and four assists. Great all around game from the dynamic duo, but this week it’s time to shine a light on their teammates who opened up the scoring early on.