Prep Talk

St. Joe's players and coaches celebrate the big win.

Read Miguel Rodriguez's story on Super Monday's championship games here.

Niagara-Wheatfield players celebrate their win in the locker room after the game.

Read Miguel Rodriguez's story on Super Monday's championship games here.

St. Joe's Klapp leads the Marauders to the Niagara Cup.

Read Miguel Rodriguez's story on Super Monday's championship games here.

Niagara-Wheatfield won its second straight Section VI Division I (large school) hockey title by beating Clarence 7-2.

Read Miguel Rodriguez's story on Super Monday's championship games here.

By Miguel Rodriguez

The final game of the championship tripleheader at First Niagara Center is the game formerly known as the Federation Catholic Final, now called the Niagara Cup Final, featuring Bishop Timon-St. Jude vs. St. Joe's.

We're kind of on deadline, so we'll provide updates ASAP.

First period

St. Joe's scores first, on the power play as Eric Paradowski backdoor one timer from Dimitrios Gogos with 11:30 left. St. Joe's leads 1-0.

Second period

Typical St. Joe's vs. Bishop Timon game so far (at least parts I've been able to watch) as both teams are playing tough, physical. Goals even harder to come by in this one.

WOW. What a pretty goal by Niagara University commit Dennis Gilbert. After breaking up potential short-handed chance near own blue line, he retrieves puck on left side, makes quick charge down the wing and cuts to front of the net against Timon defender and beats goalie with nifty one-hander. He flat out beat the Timon defender to that spot. Knocked into crossbar at end but St. Joe's leads 2-0 with 19.5 left in period.

Continue reading "Live from Super Monday hockey: St. Joe's edges Timon, 3-2, to claim Niagara Cup" »

By Miguel Rodriguez

Niagara-Wheatfield opens Super Monday at First Niagara Center with a 7-2 win over Clarence for its second straight large school playoff title.

Now we bring the Small School final between first-time participant West Seneca West against last year's runner-up Williamsville East. Williamsville East is vying for its second title in three years.

 First period

Some early activity by West Seneca West around Flames net but nothing doing.

Adam Dentico is goalie for Williamsville East who had a 1.50 GAA during regular season. West Seneca West goalie is Dalton Kruger who had a 1.85 GAA and went 11-1-2 in league play during the regular season.

With 5:23 left, after some buzzing around the last couple shifts by Williamsville East in W.S.W zone, Flames break through. Jason Cohen's quick one-timer from slot off pass by Austin Maciok. Will East leads, 1-0.

Continue reading "Live from Super Monday hockey: West Seneca West wins Div. II to claim first championship" »

By Miguel Rodriguez

Clarence meets defending Federation (Section VI) Large School hockey champion Niagara-Wheatfield in the first of three games here today at First Niagara Center.

The Federation Small School Final is supposed to start at 6 p.m. and feature West Seneca West against Williamsville East. The Niagara Cup Final, formerly known as Federation Catholic Playoff final, starts at 8 p.m. or so featuring Bishop Timon against St. Joe's.

CLARENCE vs. NIAGARA-WHEATFIELD

First period

N-W needs just 51 seconds to take 1-0 lead. Frank Vecchio II knocks in own rebound following a transition rush off Red Devils' neutral zone turnover.

On power play, Clarence ties it at 1 with 8:11 left on goal by Matt Colicchia.

Just 31 seconds later, N-W strikes again. Justin Durkee's change up from slot slips past Clarence goalie Devin Paluh. N-W leads, 2-1.

Continue reading "Live from Super Monday hockey: Niagara-Wheatfield wins second straight Div. I title" »

Williamsville East defeats Hamburg and West Seneca West beats Sweet Home to advance to the Section VI Division II championship on Super Monday.

Read more about Tuesday's hockey action in our report for Wednesday's paper.

Bishop Timon-St. Jude celebrates 4-3 win over Canisius and looks to the championship game against St. Joe's Monday at First Niagara Center.

Read more about Tuesday's hockey action in our report for Wednesday's paper.

Monsignor Martin girls hockey coach Chris Malicki, standout Julia Duquette and game-winning goal-scorer Brigid Keane talk about how they came from behind to beat Williamsville.

Read all about the championship game in our story in Saturday's News.