Both Orchard Park and Clarence were supported by electric student sections in last night’s large school semifinals, and the intensity could be felt throughout the game. The intensity only grew as the game carried into double overtime before OP took home a 2-1 victory to advance to the championship game.
Throughout the first period, both teams played strong defense, and there weren’t many shots on net from either side. The Quakers and Red Devils were locked in a scoreless tie as the period came to an end.
Both teams started to find their rhythm in the second, and both had opportunities to score but were unsuccessful. Clarence’s Ethan Bishara changed that with 4:51 left in the second with a shorthanded goal for a 1-0 Clarence lead. The Quakers seemed unfazed and responded just a few minutes later with a goal from Michael Robertson to tie the game, 1-1.
Fans on both sides were anxious to see the potential game-winning goal, but it didn’t come in the third period, despite numerous scoring opportunities for both teams. OP’s Ryan Albert and Clarence’s Zachary Dudas were elite in net for both teams. Due to the defensive dominance of both sides, and unlucky shots on the offensive side, the game went to overtime.
In the first overtime, players seemed willing to risk their bodies if it would help their team be victorious. Both sides laid big hits and dove in front of shots.
It wasn’t until double overtime that the game finally came to a victorious end for the Quakers. Halfway through the second overtime, OP captain Bryson Miller skated up the ice with the puck. Miller made a nice deke on the Clarence defenseman, and scored to send the Quakers to Sunday’s Section VI Championship at KeyBank Center.
“We knew it was gonna be a hard fought game and we were gonna get their best game thrown at us, and I’m glad the outcome ended in our favor,” Miller said. “Glad we’re able to defend our title from last year at the KeyBank Center.”
Orchard Park is scheduled to face Williamsville North in the Section VI Championship at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the KeyBank Center.