The Cortland Red Dragons traveled to Feasterville, PA on March 4th for the regional playoffs. After a full 12 game season, the Dragons were seeded in 4th place overall. The first game of pool play pitted Cortland against Oswego. An young and scrappy Laker squad stole the wind from the Dragons sails in the first game. They handed Cortland a 5-1 loss on Friday night. Mike Weber had the lone goal for Cortland.
The second game of playoffs quickly became a must win for Cortland if they wanted to keep their hopes of a championship alive. The Ramapo Roadrunners skated against Cortland at 12 noon on Saturday. A sluggish start by Cortland saw Ramapo score just 1:26 into the game. Cortland's Gary Krupa and Bob Motto struck back to take the lead for the Dragons at the end of the first. In the second period, Krupa finished off his hat trick by netting two more goals, along with a goal by Farr and Glynn. One goal by the Roadrunners in the period made the score 6-2 Cortland at the end of the 2nd. The third period was all Cortland as they showed no mercy for the Roadrunners as they scored six goals in the period. Two each by Joyce and Farr, and one each by Krupa and Barbariantz. The Red Dragons skated away with a 12-2 victory, their first ever playoff win.
Top seeded Scranton was the last pool play game. An evenly matched first period was one goal by each team, Cortland's by Motto. The second period was Cortland's downfall, giving up three goals, two on the power play. The third period saw Joyce score a power play goal. However, the Royals CJ Murray, scored three straight goals to put Cortland away. The Dragons lost the pool play finale 7-2.
The SUNY squad came in 3rd place in Pool "A" and were set to face 2nd place seed of Pool "B", Queens College. Cortland played with Queens for the half of the game, keeping the score tight at 2-1. Krupa had the goal in the beginning of the second period. However, the Knights woke up at the 7:38 mark of the period and dominated the remainder of the game. Cortland saw Queens score 11 straight goals to end the game.
As yet another season comes to an end, progress has been made by the Red Dragons. With six wins, and their first playoff win ever, things are moving in the right direction for the team. Congratulations to the Queens College Knights and the SUNY Oswego Lakers who both made the Championship game in their first season of existence. The Knights defeated the Lakers 7-4 in a close game to win the ECRHA Championship.
Check back over the summer for interest forms and contact information!
It has been a pleasure to watch you guys play this season. The team has developed over the past three seasons into a competitive player in the ECHRA. Thanks to Brian and Tom for their work creating and keeping the team going. It is with pride that I am able to watch my son play a college sport with Cortland across his chest. Under Tom's leadership next season will be even better.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support Paul!
ReplyDeleteSee you next year!
Tommy Farr