Photo by Janet Schultz / NY Hockey Online
Prior to this coming Super Sunday the six WNY Federation hockey teams playing were invited down to Key Bank Center to meet with local media. It’s a thrill for the coaches and players to participate. Normally, it’s the seniors from those teams that make the trip.
Thursday morning was no different. The press conference kicked off with a message from Section VI hockey chairman Mark DiFilippo and former Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta who still works for the organization as a “youth hockey ambassador.”
“Enjoy your time because it goes by fast,” Kaleta said. “There are many lessons you can learn from playing hockey but you have to remember it’s just a game, have fun.”
Kaleta grew up playing in local youth travel programs in Hamburg and West Seneca. The Sabres selected Kaleta with the 176th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. “If you want something bad enough you can attain it, I’m living proof,” Kaleta said.
The Private school championship round finalists were decided this past Monday with St. Joe’s defeating St. Francis 5-3 and then St. Mary’s besting Canisius in triple-overtime, setting up a rematch of last year’s final. The Marauders and Lancers are the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds respectfully and will kick Super Sunday off with a 2:30pm puck drop that will decide the winner of the 2018-19 Niagara Cup.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge Sunday,” St. Mary’s of Lancaster head coach Mark Dantonio said. “Glad to be back, this will be our third straight trip to Super Sunday (went as a club team in 2016-17). We know we are in for a tough game.”
Both Chris and Joe Henry, twin brothers, do not believe in changing up any of their pre-game rituals at this point in the season. “We’re just going to keep doing what’s been working,” Chris said. “Getting to the rink early, going through the warm-ups and get ready to work.”
Less than a month ago however goaltender Kyle Karoleski and forward Brendan Krawczyk both seniors visited the same hair stylist. “We wanted to look good for the playoffs,” Karoleski said. That seems to be paying off. Karoleski had one of his better performances Monday versus Canisius.
Brent Casillo, another senior on the Lancers says that the team listens to a variety of music before games but is not in charge of what is played, although he does make requests.
The Marauders are back for their sixth time in a row having gone 4-2 in that span. “Our guys are excited to play St. Mary’s again and I anticipate a great game,” head coach Rich Crozier said. The team will attend Mass Saturday afternoon at St. Andrews in the Town of Tonawanda, something the team does regularly prior to Sunday games. “This year we’re doing a tour of parishes before games, we used to celebrate Mass in the school Chapel. Last week we were at St. Greg’s but it’s important for us as a team and something we believe in is that our faith comes first,” Crozier said.
In the Small school division the Grand Island Vikings are making their first trip to Super Sunday in the seven years they’ve been in the Fed. The Vikes took down Williamsville East Wednesday night and will face a West Seneca West team that is making their third appearance. The Indians defeated Kenmore West 5-1 late Wednesday and are the defending Section VI small school champs. WSW head coach Kevin Rozo credited a senior heavy team for the team’s success this season.
The Vikings beat the Indians 3-0 in their only regular season meeting this past year. “It was one of the best games of the year, it was scoreless until late in the third period,” Grand Island head coach Don Pray said. “We’re very proud of our overall record and excited to be a part of this event.”
The final game of the day is scheduled for 7pm and will decide the Large school division championship. Niagara Wheatfield is making their eighth trip to Key Bank Center in the last 10 years and will take on Orchard Park. This is the Quakers first time playing for a Large school championship.
Orchard Park beat Lockport-Niagara Falls and Williamsville North to reach Super Sunday.
The Falcons, who always seem to be playing their best hockey this time of year, didn’t win a game in January. Niagara Wheatfield had to go through Clarence and Lancaster to reach this point. “Down the stretch our schedule benefitted us and helped us step up our game,” Caleb Lee, a 6’3 senior defenseman, said. “We had a nice win over St. Joe’s that helped us in the locker room. Sunday is just another hockey game though and that’s how we have to look at it and prepare for it.”
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