The Main Man

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (LISN) — Senior Logan Keil scored twice to power the Connetquot/ Sayville T-Birds (5-14) to a 2-0 victory over the Ward Melville Patriots (4-15).

Senior Alex Clark allowed just one goal against in his 3rd win of the season. 

Junior Logan Booth scored the shorthanded insurance goal for Connetquot/ Sayville. 

Senior Luke Tannebaum made his 13th start of the season for the Patriots. 

Keil opened the scoring at 2:23 in the 1st period to make it 1-0 T-Birds. Keil ripped a one-timer past Tannenbaum off a centering pass from Senior Chase Haggerty. 

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Keil netted his 16th of the season to double the T-Birds’ lead at 3:41 in the second stanza. Keil went backhand-forehand on the breakaway after being sprung in transition by Senior Andrew Synder. 

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51 seconds into the final frame, Booth potted a shorthanded breakaway goal to make it 3-0. Senior Chris Esposito flipped the puck into the neutral zone, Booth flew by two Patriots to win the foot race, and then sniped glove side for his 8th of the campaign. 

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Senior Michael Eilenberger scored a shorthanded goal, his 11th tally of the season, to cut the deficit to 3-1with 10:30 left in regulation. Senior Patrick Scali made a cross-crease pass to Senior Michael Maldari, who then slid it to Eilenberger to complete the tic-tac-toe play.

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The Patriots were picking up steam, and even a late penalty didn’t seem like it would stop Senior Anthony Cerulli, who went coast-to-coast, blowing by two defenders to create a shorthanded breakaway before being stopped by Clark

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The Patriots called a timeout late in the 3rd period, but they were hemmed in their own zone by the T-Birds and unable to get Tannenbaum off the ice until the final 40 seconds of regulation, which essentially ended their comeback attempt.

Box Score

Three Stars of the Game

Upcoming Schedule

The Ward Melville Patriots (18-1-0) will face off against the Middle Country Cougars (4-13-0) on Monday, February 5, at 9:40 PM. This game is important for the Patriots, as they are aiming to maintain their high standing in the league for a strong playoff position. In their previous meetings, the Patriots won 12-2 in September and 8-0 in December.

The Connetquot/Sayville T-Birds (5-14-0) will take on the Smithtown Hauppauge Bulls (17-1-0) on Thursday, February 7, at 10:10 PM. The T-Birds will be looking to improve their position in the standings, but the Bulls come into the game as one of the league’s top teams. In their previous matchups, the Bulls dominated 24-2 in November and 25-2 in September.