The Starpoint Spartans surrendered an early goal in Monday night’s Section VI small school finals at the KeyBank Center. That just seemed to wake them up.
The Spartans then scored five unanswered goals en route to an 8-3 win over Niagara Wheatfield to claim their third title in the last four seasons.
“This one feels special,” Spartans head coach Clayton Wilson said. “I’ve got quite a few seniors here that get to enjoy this. NW is a great team, well coached. If there’s a rival this is it, we practice out of the same barn. I’ve known Rick a long time, he’s a great coach.”
Just after giving up the Falcons’ lone goal, Starpoint found themselves down a man. Playing short-handed however, seemed to settle down the veteran group.
Niagara Wheatfield failed to register a shot on goal during the 2-minute span and the Spartans found their legs.
Jacob Cyrek scored the first of his two goals shortly after the Spartans’ penalty.
“Two amazing leaders,” Cyrek said as he described teammates Bull and Kirk after the game. “I wasn’t scoring, couldn’t buy a goal and Bull was just a great teammate throughout. Our energy just stayed up and we needed to keep it going. We were getting some bounces and finishing.”
Starpoint continued their stellar play in period two, adding three more goals, all at even strength. Alec Kirk, Cyrek and Gavin Russell picking up the tallies. Kirk’s second period goal was his 30th goal of the season.
“That period was by far the best we played all year,” Wilson said. “The bottom line is, we have an explosive team, there are three guys here that will finish with over 100 points in their high school career. Justin Bull, Alec Kirk they hit the 100 mark and Will (Mainstone) is real close.”
Starpoint never let their foot off the gas – coming out strong in the third period. Bull, Frankie Cardarella, Kirk and Mike Merrifield were all credited with goals in the final frame.
Starpoint now advances to the NYSPHSAA Division-II Regional round which will be held at the HarborCenter in Buffalo on March 4th. They will face Salmon River (20-2) from Section X, who beat Ogdensburg Free Academy 5-1 Monday. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. Tickets are available by visiting SectionVIboyshockey.com or you can watch the game on the NFHS Network.
“The 12 seniors in that locker room left it all out here. We had high expectations though, we really thought we could win a State championship with this group,” Wrazin said. “This one hurts.” Anthony LaGreca scored twice for the Falcons in his final game. “You can’t replace that kid. Everything he gives you, we’re gonna miss him,” Wrazin said. “But we’re excited about the possibilities for next year, there is still a lot of talent here. Robert Wegrzyn, and Andrew Idzik to name a couple.”