Friday night’s matchup between the West Seneca West Indians and the Hamburg Bulldogs ended with a 4-1 victory for the Indians.
West Seneca West senior Billy Coughlin scored the Indian’s first goal just seven minutes into the first period. Coughlin’s goal was assisted by senior Cody Lawrence. About six minutes later, the Indians struck again as junior Brian Gorman scored his first of the night for a 2-0 West Seneca West lead. Cameron Cswaykus and Mark McNerney picked up the assists.
As the first period came to an end, Hamburg had still not responded to West Seneca West’s goals.
West Seneca West goalie Griffin Andrews noticed that the Indians start off fast most games but slow down as the game goes on.
“We come out every single game and we’re buzzing and we always take that early lead,” McAndrews said. “Then we take the foot off the gas towards the second and third, but I think tonight the boys had it in their grip and we didn’t want to let go of that lead the whole game.”
The second period was filled with multiple penalties, but fans only saw one goal: Hamburg’s. Only 31 seconds into the second period, Hamburg responded to West Seneca West’s two goals. Sophomore Ryan Rogers scored Hamburg’s only goal of the game, assisted by sophomores Michael Kull and Frank Pandolfino.
Joey Gorman scored for West Seneca West with 9:09 remaining in the game. Coughlin had the assist on Gorman’s goal. With West Seneca West’s two-goal lead, and only 3:18 remaining in regulation, Hamburg took a timeout. The Bulldogs pulled their goalie two minutes later. West Seneca West junior Mark McNerney sealed the deal, though, with an unassisted empty net goal with 58.3 seconds remaining in the game.
McAndrews had a great game against Hamburg, but he expected it to be tough.
“We haven’t had much success against Hamburg in the last years, but I think our boys battled it out and I think it shows that we can compete with any team in this league,” McAndrews said.
Coughlin had one goal and one assist against Hamburg. He thinks his team’s strength is using each other.
“We aren’t doing as much individual stuff anymore and it really shows…when you use your linemates, you’re gonna win games,” Coughlin said. “We played a really good team. The coach gave us a system and we stuck to it the whole game this time instead of just two periods, and it showed.”
Looking forward, McAndrews knows the Indians still have work to do.
“Honestly, that was probably one of our best games we’ve played all year,” McAndrews said. “I think if we just keep the legs moving, keep to the systems the coaches work, and everybody buys in, I think we’re gonna be a tough team to handle coming down the stretch.”