As the regular season draws to a close, it’s time for the Amity Spartans to rediscover just how excellent they are as a team.
The boys burst onto the scene with 7 consecutive victories, followed by a 6-game losing streak, one win (which qualified them for tournament participation) and then an overtime loss to North Branford last Wednesday.
That was a very close game, both teams fighting for their lives, hungry for a win.
Eight minutes in, North Branford was first to score. Three minutes later Amity struck back with Jason Csejka’s first goal (assisted by Nick Kiwanis and Ken Page.) Less than two minutes later and with 53 seconds on the clock, Ryan Miller pulled the Spartans into the lead, assisted by Page.
First Period Score 2-1 Amity
Csejka wasted no time in the second period, scoring his second goal just 48 seconds in, assisted by Caleb Marcin, and that was it for the Spartans that period they had a nice 3-1 lead on the Thunderbirds.
Most of the period passed by the time North Branford picked up their game. Nine minutes later, The Thunderbirds swooped in with a goal and then 57 seconds later they hit again, tying the game.
Second Period Score 3-3.
Four minutes after returning to the ice, Page broke that tie, assisted by Csejka and Kiwanis. But North Branford wouldn’t have any of that. Three minutes later the Thunderbirds tied the game, and netted another two minutes later.
The tension was building with North Branford holding onto the puck and the lead for a lot of the period, until Csejka broke away and landed one, and earned his first Hat Trick of the season (believe it or not) with only 4:50 remaining, once again tying the score.
Third Period Score 5-5.
Now it was do or die Overtime – everyone held their breath as both teams battled for the puck, and a chance to win this thing.
The clock ticked down and just 1:29 in, North Branford sealed the deal with the winning shot.
Branford wins: 6-5.
Today, the Spartans go up against Cheshire at the Wesleyan University Ice Rink at 6:00 p.m.
NOTE: I still believe that the Spartans have a shot at the title this year. They CAN do it if they stay focused, stay on the ice and out of the penalty box, and Believe in themselves. Let’s Go Spartans!!!!
