Tyler Durfee’s first Fed goal was one of 10 Williamsville North scored in its first playoff win of the season on Saturday afternoon. Andrew Bruno, Zach Kurbiel, and Daniel Mosher each scored twice as the Spartans defeated Lockport 10-0 to advance to Wednesday’s semifinals.
“We were just going in wanting to play a simple game — our game — and I think we did that today,” Durfee said. “We did a good job.”
“We did a lot of little things good,” said goaltender Ben Hingston, who combined with Jake Zurat and Anthony Fiorella for the shutout. “Our coaches told us before the game to keep working on the little things.”
Durfee’s goal was the third of the game after Matt Terrance and Brett Sardina both scored in the second minute of the game. Max Tracy and Michael Kreuz were credited with the assists on Durfee’s goal.
“Kreuz got it to me behind the net, and I just turned around and put it short side,” Durfee said.
Mosher and Kurbiel each scored in the first as well. Kurbiel’s second of the game came just over a minute into the second, and Andrew Bruno scored the next two. Derek Westbrook scored late in the second, and Mosher’s second of the game was the lone goal of the third.
But the third was Hingston’s chance to shine, as he’s backed up the Zurat-Fiorella combination all season long.
“It was fun, but I may need a nap after that one — did a lot of work,” Hingston said. “It was good. Definitely boosted my confidence because I didn’t let in a goal.”
From Hingston’s perspective, he’s watched the Spartans improve as the season progressed, and he’s felt a part of it all along.
“I think we’ve improved a lot,” Hingston said. “We’re a family.”
And on Saturday, in another win, the Spartans did what they needed to do and hope to carry those things forward into Wednesday’s semifinals.
“I thought we moved the puck well. That helped. Got a lot of shots on net,” Durfee said. “I think we really set the tempo for what’s to come in the next coming games.”
The Spartans didn’t know their opponent immediately following Saturday’s game, but when Clarence beat Lancaster in overtime on Saturday night, the Red Devils earned themselves a matchup against North Wednesday night at 6 pm.
Durfee was confident regardless of the opponent.
“If we play our game and work hard, we should be winning,” Durfee said.