The SCHSHL JV Finals Preview

The  Smithtown Hauppauge Bulls have lost just one game in the past two years, it came in game one of the 2022-2023 JV Finals. Sachem has to defeat the defending champions twice to lift a banner of their own. Smithtown Hauppauge’s rivalry Sachem runs deep and this series will only serve to further intensify it as these young players make the jump to the next level. So let’s dive right in! 

Meet The Teams 

#1 Seed Smithtown Hauppauge Bulls 

GF: 18 | GA: 2 | DIFF: +16 | PPG: 2 | PPGA: 1 | SHG: 0 | PIM: 24 |

The Bulls haven’t just been winning playoff games, they’ve been dominating them. Ten different Bulls have found the back of the net and fifteen total have recorded a point to date. Brayden Beltrani and Christian Semetsis have both netted post-season hat-tricks with 7 points apiece so far. Connor Dubeau and Ryan Trites are tied for the team in points by a defenseman with 3 in 2 games. Jack Pring and Jacob Caradonna have allowed just each allowed just 1 goal against in the playoffs. 

#2 Seed Sachem

GF: 12 | GA: 7 | DIFF: +5 | PPG: 3 | PPGA: 1 | SHG: 0 | PIM: 8 |

Sachem took a commanding 5-1 lead in their Quarterfinals matchup against the St. Anthony’s Friars before allowing two consecutive goals late in the second stanza. Sachem locked it down in the 3rd period and pulled away with a 6-3 victory. Sachem jumped out a 5-1 lead in their Semifinals matchup against the PatMed Raiders only to find themselves escaping with a 6-4 victory at the end of regulation. James Drago leads all Sachem skaters with four points, Chase Saunders leads the team with three goals after a hat-trick against PatMed. Matt Bispo and Tyler Loret remain names to watch on defense. Anthony Mare allowed 3 goals in the Quarterfinals before Michael Walsh gave up 4 goals in the Semifinals. 

My Pick: Smithtown Hauppauge Bulls In 3 

Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Smithtown Hauppauge led the league in goals scored, while allowing the fewest goals against during the regular season. Sachem’s regular season scoring prowess has translated to the playoffs, however they haven’t been able to suppress chances to the same extent as Smithtown Hauppauge. 

In the end this series won’t be determined by talent, both teams have plenty of it. The team that is able to maximize their roster’s potential will come away with a victory. Both coaching staffs know this, but the Bulls have been here before. Sachem hasn’t. So I’m going with Smithtown Hauppauge.