WH HOCKEY
The West Haven boys hockey team has had its share of struggles this season. Putting games away has been one of them.
Failing to capitalize on its scoring opportunities, the Westies had to settle for a 2-2 tie against the Harvey School (New York) Monday afternoon at the Edward L. Bennett Rink in West Haven. With the tie, West Haven saw its record move to 2-6-1 on the year.
“We have not capitalized in three games,” West Haven coach Joe Morrell said. “We are getting chances, but are not scoring. We have only given up two, two, and two goals, not including an empty net goal, in the last three games and we have no wins out of that.”
West Haven looked as if it was going to snap the skid, holding a 2-1 lead in the final two minutes. That lead never held up as Luke Baumgartner scored off a scramble in front with 1 minute, 23 seconds to go in the third period to tie the game for the Cavaliers.
“It is hugely disappointing,” Morrell said. “The game should have been over a lot earlier than that. We just didn’t capitalize.”
West Haven had its share of opportunities to put the game away before the equalizer, but could not get the insurance goal it needed.
Robbie Forleo was stopped coming down the left wing with 9:19 remaining, Richie Greene had his point shot denied 15 seconds later, and E.J. Pacapelli could not tuck the puck home with 8:12 to go.
Still on the man advantage, the Westies could not convert when Niko Kyle was stopped from the point with 6:58 to go, and at even strength from the wing with 3:01 remaining.
The Cavaliers took a 1-0 lead with 50 seconds left in the opening period when Cian Keohane scored off an assist from James Mettler.
West Haven took a 2-1 lead with two goals in the middle period. Freshman Michael Kelly scored his first goal in front off assists from Kaden Morgillo and Sean Dupre with 7:21 to go in the period, and Kyle scored off assists from Greene and Forleo with 47 seconds left in the middle period for a 2-1 advantage.
“We have to keep working,” Morrell said. “The longer it goes, the tighter the hands get.”
Logan Cole made 26 saves in the tie for West Haven. The Westies held a 34-28 shot advantage in the game.