By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg
TopLaxRecruits, Posted 4/20/13
EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. – Christian Mazzone had a hat trick as host Ward Melville scored all four fourth-period goals and defeated Garden City, 7-3, today in a battle of Long Island powers.
The Patriots – ranked 17th by TopLaxRecruits.com – improved to 9-0 and capped a brilliant week, which included a 15-3 rout of third-ranked Smithtown West and this come-from-behind win over the 9th-ranked Trojans (6-2).
“This is the first game we didn’t have a comfortable lead for most of the game,” said Ward Melville head coach Mike Hoppey. “This is the first game we have been behind and the first time we have gone into the fourth quarter with the outcome in doubt.”
Goalie Dan Nemirov was a standout for the Pats with eight saves.
“In the fourth quarter our big players made some big plays and our goalie made some big stops,” Hoppey said. “Jack Bruckner and Christian Mazzone have been making great plays for us all year and they were able to do it again.”
Garden City had taken a 3-2 lead in the third period on a goal by Justin Guterding. But Mazzone’s goal with 4:03 left in the third started a 5-0 run.
Bruckner had one goal and two assists and Dan Bacaro had one goal and one while Brendon Hagerty and Jake Kepes also scored for Ward Melville.
“We felt pretty confident coming into this game after the big win at Smithtown West,” said Mazzone. “We knew this game was going to be a lot different because Garden City plays great defense.
“In the fourth quarter we started dodging more, looking for each other and when we got opportunities we finished – which was good.”
The first half showcased Ward Melville and Garden City’s outstanding defensive play. Ward Melville led 2-1 as Garden City goalie Dan Dolan grabbed seven saves.
Lucas Clay and James Sullivan also scored for Garden City.
“Ward Melville is very good,” said Garden City head coach Steve Finnell. ““We held them to two goals in the first half and our defense played outstanding. We had too many unforced turnovers and it’s hard to keep them down for a whole game.”
Ward Melville 7, Garden City 3
WM: 1-1-1-4-7
GC: 1-0-2-0-3
WM: Christian Mazzone 3G; Jack Bruckner 1G, 2A; Dan Bacaro 1G, 1A; Brendon Hagerty 1G; Jake Kepes 1G
GC: Justin Guterding 1G; Lucas Clay 1G; James Sullivan 1G; Luke McDaid 1A
Saves: Dan Nemirov (WM) 8; Dan Dolan (GC) 7