NYSPHSAA Boys Ice Hockey Quick Hits: Falcons down Red Raiders in DI semifinal

Nick Peters and Chace Woods each had two points as Section VI Niagara Wheatfield blanked Section I North Rockland, 4-0, in the NYSPHSAA Division I semifinal game that was played at HarborCenter.

The win vaults the Falcons into Sunday’s championship game where they will face the winner of Section X Massena/Section V Victor, which immediately followed.

The Falcons were playing with heavy hearts as a close friend and classmate, Mikey Ziegler, died suddenly this past Wednesday. The heartbreaking loss strengthened their family bond as they had mission to win it for Ziggy.

The Falcons out worked the Red Raiders at every turn as they maintained more consistent offensive pressure throughout.

Nick Peters opened the scoring with 1:17 left in the first.

Back-to-back goals by Nick Brier and Mike Lotempio 40 seconds apart in the second period extended the Falcon lead, 3-0.

Chace Woods capped off the scoring.

The Falcons will attempt to win their first ever state title.

This was North Rockland’s deepest run since 1985. Goalie Angelo Zodda made 19 saves including one on Woods late in second to keep hope alive.

Peyton Siegmann made 19 saves for the shutout.

pic.twitter.com/KIJW4rx7IN — WNY Athletics (@WNYAthletics) March 10, 2018