Victor Heading to States for Fourth Straight Year
May 31, 2017 - Victor won their fourth consecutive (and sixth overall) Section Five Title tonight with a 13-4 win over Canandaigua. The Blue Devils have reached the finals five straight times, with their loss four years ago against Canandaigua in overtime 11-10 (HERE). Tonight, the Blue Devils scored the first five goals and continued to hold at minimum a four goal lead the remainder of the game.
Victor freshman Joey Pezzimenti scored the opening goal with a dodge to the cage. Pezzimenti finished the game with 2g-1a and was named to the All Tournament team. Two minutes later, he assisted Sam Lambert (also named All Tournament) with a feed from behind the cage. The final two goals of the quarter were scored by the Class B MVP Andrew Russell. Russell finished today’s game with 4g and the tournament with 9g-2a. The Blue Devils led 4-0 after 12 minutes. In the second quarter, the teams split 2 goals each and alternated goals. Victore scored first with an outside shot from Alexander Mabbett. Canandaigua got on the board with a single drive to the cage by Carson Greene. Pezzimenti scored his second goal of the night in extra-man offense shortly after. With 0:27 remaining in the half, Canandaigua’s Devin Andrews scored during man-up off a feed from Mark Belles. Andrews was named to the All Tournament team. Additionally, at the conclusion of the game, Andrews was announced as the Section Five Offensive Player of the Year for the entire season. The Blue Devils led 6-2 at the half.
In the third quarter Victor increased their lead with scoring from Lambert (2), Mitchell Cain and Connor Keenan. Andrews scored his second goal for the Braves with a drive along the left goal line extended and a inside step past Victor goalie Chayse Ierlan. Ierlan finished with 6 saves and was named to the All Tournament team. Additionally, at the conclusion of the game, Ierlan was aanounced as the Section Five Defensive Player of the Year for the entire season. Defensemen Michal Novitsky and Sotton Boland were also added to the All Tournament team. Boland had a particularly impressive game at the face-off late in the fourth quarter as well as a number of strong takes earlier in the game.
In the first three quarters, Canandaigua had strong control of the face-off with Joe Post winning nearly all the face-offs. Victor resorted to time-outs to win two before moving Boland up to take the face-off directly. Post was named to the All Tournament team based partially on his face-off dominance. Victor led 10-3 going into the final quarter. The Blue Devils scored the first three goals of the final quarter. Clark Andre scored off a feed from behind the cage by Lambert as he cut to the crease. Russell scored the final two goals with unassisted goals. With 1:01 remaining, Canandaigua scored their last goal with an unassisted goal from Grey Benham.
Rounding out the All Tournament team were Brett Randall (Brighton), Jacob Buck (Churchville-Chili) and Roger Panara (Canandaigua). A complete list of All Tournament winners can be found HERE.
Victor moves on to the first round of States. Their opponent will be determined after the Section VI Championships tomorrow.
