Potsdam's Tori Reagan slaps the puck out of the air and follows it into the center ice area.  (Engel photo)  Game Gallery

Details Provided by Rikkie Lee Harper
February 6: The Skaneateles Lakers defeated the Potsdam Sandstoners 2-1 in league quarterfinals on Saturday. The first period saw limited shots at both ends of the ice and ended 0-0. However, just over a minute into the second frame (1:12) when Skaneateles’ Maddy Elia scored from close range on a scramble in front of the net, when Elia tipped home a rebound assisted by Michelle Bronk. With 1:11 left in the period, the Lakers scored again on an unassisted breakaway goal by senior defenseman Tori Major who spotted the weak side of the net open a crack and hit the spot. The final period saw Potsdam outshoot Skaneateles 14-2, but the Sandstoners were held scoreless until just 27 seconds remained on the clock when Abbie Adams broke free and registered Potsdam’s only goal. Potsdam goalie Abbie Tardelli made seven saves, while Alex Brown of Skaneateles turned away 27 shots for the win.
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
Alexandria Bay's Jamie Wiley scored a pair of goals and assisted on the other as the #7-seeded Purple Ghosts upset second-seeded Canton 3-2 in the second overtime of the league quarterfinals on Saturday.  Jessica Prance also scored for Alex Bay.  Canton outshot the Ghosts by a 2-1 margin, but the Ghosts' Kaitline Russell was pummeled with 48 shots and turned aside 46 for the win. 
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
February 4: The Oswego Lady Bucs held off a strong rally from visiting Ithaca for a 4-3 victory in the quarterfinals of the Upstate New York High School Girls Hockey Playoffs. With the win the Bucs become the first team to qualify for next weekends Final Four in Skaneateles. For the Bucs, Devyn Hutcheson opened the scoring on a pass from Kaitlin Friel at the 7:15 mark of the first period. Taylar Cianfarano then scored at the 10:45 mark unassisted to give the Bucs a 2-0 lead. Shaina Joffe counted with a big goal with 39 seconds left in the first period off a pass from Carrie Wilder. Devyn Hutcheson scored the only goal of the second period for the Bucs with 50 seconds left in the period on a wrap around attempt. The Bucs carried the 3-1 lead into the final period and Taylar Cianfarano scored her 53 goal of the season to make it 4-1 at the 4:10 mark. Carrie Wilder then pulled Ithaca to within 4-2 at the 7:29 mark and added a powerplay goal in the last minute assisted by Cornell and Goldstien to pull with-in one. From there the Bucs held on as Madisyn Whalen made 17 saves for Oswego while Alex Stagliano counted with 15 for Ithaca.
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The Chazy Eagles are headed back to the Upstate New York Girls Hockey semifinals after posting a 2-1 win over the Saranac Lake Red Storm, overcoming a strong goaltending effort by Red Storm netminder Ashley Pittman. Pittman stopped 35 shots, but the Eagles found a opening for two markers. Caitlyn Lapier broke a 1-1 tie with a top-shelf shot with just 40 seconds remaining in the second period to pilot the Eagles into the semifinals. Chazy's Jessi Huber netted the game's first goal at 8:19. Saranac Lake's Mackenzie Cotter tapped in a rebound at 10:25 to tie the game at 1-1. The loss marked the end of the season and high school careers for eight Red Storm senors. The #1-seeded Eagles will play Alexandria Bay at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Skaneateles, host of this year’s Final Four.
 

Details Provided by Rikkie Lee Harper
January 31: In the final League game of the regular season, the Skaneateles Lakers shut out the Lake Placid Blue Bombers 4-0. The win moved Skaneateles into 5th place and gives them an overall record of 8-7-2, but as importantly, the Lakers earned points in 9 of their 12 League games. Scoring for Skaneateles were: first period: Maddy Morrissey, unassisted, second period: Madison Singler, assisted by Kalie Pidgeon, and Morrissey again, assisted by Taylor Kerr, third period: Brittany Williams, assisted by Singler and Pidgeon. The Skaneateles defense of seniors Tori Major and Kim O'Brien, and juniors Alyssa Stevens, and Keely O'Hara held the Blue Bombers to 22 shots. Sophomore goaltender, Alex Brown, secured her fourth League-game shut-out and ended the season with a league-high 0.951 save percentage and 1.55 goals-against average (behind only the number one- and two-ranked teams, Chazy and Canton).
 

Details Provided by Rolfe & Patty Wagoner
January 29: Alexandria Bay secured a play-off berth by defeating Salmon River 6-3. Alex Bay started off strong with their first goal coming just three minutes into the game when Jamie Wiley scored off passes from Chelsea Heath and Amanda Lingenfelter. Just six seconds later, Geneva Wagoner lit the boards on a goal with an assist from Tiffany Lingenfelter. Wagoner scored again a few minutes later on a power-play goal off passes from Wiley and Katy Murphy to end the period 3-0. Jessica Prance opened the second period scoring for Alex Bay with an assist to Jamie Wiley, but then Salmon River came on strong scoring two goals. Karley Cree scored an unassisted goal and  Krista Oakes scored Salmon River’s second marker off a pass from Teesha Mitchell, ending the period with Alex Bay up 4-2. The third period was a physical one with both teams digging for every puck. Morgan Garlock added to the Purple Ghosts' score on a power play, when the puck went from Wagoner to Wiley and Garlock, who one-timed it in the goal. Jamie Wiley scored on an unassisted goal moments later to end the Purple Ghosts' scoring for the night. Salmon River added one last tally when Karley Cree scored her second of the night with assists from Sky Timmons and Lakota Lazore. Salmon River’s Nancy Cook had five saves and Tanisha Thompson collected 21 saves while Alexandria’s Caitlin Russell had 25 saves.
 

Massena's Sarah Reagan (24),and Alex Bay's Katy Taylor (7) battle in the face off circle as the Raiders Orenda Herne (23) looks to clear it out of the defensive zone.  The Alexandria By Purple Ghosts shut out Massena 3-0 in a non-league contest. (Chris Engel Photo)  Game Gallery
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
January 24: On Senior Night in Oswego, Taylar Cianfarano’s penalty shot goal 3:18 in overtime gave Oswego a league victory over previously undefeated Canton 4-3. The Lady Bucs held a 3-1 lead with 3 minutes to play before MacKenzie Lennox scored twice to knot the score for the Golden Bears. Overtime saw the play bounce back and forth until Cianfarano raced away on a breakaway. In an effort to stop her a Canton player threw her stick awarding the Bucs a penalty shot.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
January 23: In a league game battled up and down the ice for the full 45 minutes, the Skaneateles Lakers prevailed over the visiting Saranac Lake Red Storm on a single third-period goal by junior Brittany Williams, assisted by Madison Singler and Kalie Pidgeon. Despite being outshot 36 to 21, including 16 to 4 in the final period, the Lakers were able to take a giant step towards ensuring a playoff spot. The first two periods were played evenly as each team had good scoring chances, only to be turned away by the respective netminders. Skaneateles put more shots on goal in the first two periods, 19-16, but was unable to secure a go-ahead goal. It wasn’t until the third period when a mad scramble in front of the net led to the eventual game winner. Saranac Lake came close to scoring in the second period when the puck nearly crossed the goal line, only to be swiped away by Skaneateles’s keeper Alex Brown who notched her third shutout on the way to a season-average 0.95 save percentage and 1.67 goals-against. Saranac Lake goalie Ashley Pittman made 20 saves for the Red Storm.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
January 23: The Oswego Lady Bucs dropped a hard fought league contest to visiting Potsdam 4-3. Abbie Adams scored on a great individual rush with 30 seconds left for the winning tally for Potsdam. It was her second marker of the game.  Potsdam Goals: Adams 2, Baxter 1, Chapin 1. Potsdam assists: Chapin 1, Baxter 1, Miller 1.  Potsdam saves: Tardelli 16. Oswego Goals: Cianfarano 3. Oswego Assists: Friel 1, Lazzaro 1. Oswego Saves:  Whalen 16.
 

Details Provided by Rolfe & Patty Wagoner
January 22: Heading into the last week of league play, both Alex Bay and Skaneateles were looking for a win to help secure a playoff berth. Alex Bay came out firing, outshooting their host 11-2 in the first period, but Skaneateles goalie Alex Brown deflected them all, providing for a scoreless first period. It was not until 5:47 in the second period when the first goal was tallied. Alex Bay's Brittin Van Osdel tucked one away on a pass from Chelsea Heath and Tiffany Lingenfelter. Both teams worked hard, but the second period ended at 1-0. The Purple Ghosts opened up the scoring in the third period by netting three unanswered goals. Jamie Wiley scored an unassisted goal for Alexandria at 11:36, pushing their lead to 2-0. The Ghosts added another goal at 9:43 when Jessica Prance scored on a power play, assisted by Jamie Wiley. Wiley then buried an unassisted goal on a power play with 37 seconds remaining in the game to round out the scoring. Alexandria netminder Caitlin Russell earned her second shutout of the season with 12 saves, while Skaneateles' goaltender Alex Brown turned away 22 shots.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
January 22: Each of Saranac Lake’s three goalies played a period on Friday night and each turned away every shot they faced as Saranac Lake defeated Albany Academy 5-0. Mallory Cotter had a goal and two assists and Megan Mueller had a goal and an assist for the Red Storm. Adding single tallies for Saranac Lake where Meadow Hackett, Mackenzie Cotter and Olivia Glans. Saranac Lake outshot Albany 25-10. “It was nice to have a game where we were able to play all of the girls who have worked so hard in practice this year,” said Coach Cotter. Scoring 1st 1. SL Mueller (Ma. Cotter) 2:19 2nd 2. SL Hackett (unassisted, pp) 9:54, 3. SL Mk. Cotter (Muldowney) 13:52 3rd 4. SL Ma. Cotter (unassisted) 5:11, 5. SL Glans (Mueller, Ma. Cotter) 8:57 Saves SL 10 (Pittman 2, Urquhart 6, Nye 2) AA 20 (Bussey).
 

The league's leading scorer Taylar Cianfarano of Oswego gets a point-blank shot on Skaneateles' goaltender Alex Brown. Cianfarano netted the goal, but was stopped by Brown on two clean breakaways. (Photo by Rob Brown)

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
January 20: The Oswego Lady Bucs traveled to Skaneateles and came away with a hard fought 3-2 overtime victory in a league game. Oswego Scoring: Cianfarano 1, Darling 1, Friel 1. Oswego Assists: Friel 2, Cianfarano 1, Hutcheson 1. Oswego Saves: Whalen 20. Skaneateles Scoring: Sigler 1, Morrissey 1. Skaneateles Assists: Major 1.  Skaneateles Saves: Brown 28.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
The Cotter sisters supplied the scoring as Saranac Lake came back to tie Ithaca 2-2 on Monday night. Mackenzie Cotter opened the scoring at 12:06 of the first period when she swooped in and knocked in a rebound of a Shannon Muldowney shot. Ithaca’s Shaina Joffe tied the score at 5:53 of the second assisted by Nitsan Glodstein. Goldstein then scored an unassisted goal on a breakaway at 1:40 of the third. Mallory Cotter was able to knot the score at 2-2 at 7:58 of the third with an assist from Olivia Glans. Both teams had power plays in the last five minutes of regulation, but neither could capitalize. Ashley Pittman made a game-saving stop on a Joffe breakaway as the horn sounded to end the third period. Neither team was able to break free in overtime. Saranac Lake was down a man for the last 49 seconds of overtime, but was able to hold off the Little Red. Saranac Lake’s Ashley Pittman turned away 32 shots. Alex Stagliano made 11 saves for Ithaca.
 

Salmon River's Sky Timmons (9) backhands the puck over diving Albany Academy goaltender Allyson Bussey (1).  The Shamrocks posted four unanswered goals in the first period.  Albany rattled two goals into the Salmon River goal in the first two minutes of the second period, but the Shamrock defense recovered  for a 5-2 victory. (Bob LaRue photo)   Game Gallery

Salmon River's Tewasherake Barnes (5) streaks across the blue line, breaking away out of her own zone.

Details Provided by Jim Barnes
January 16: The Shamrocks posted four unanswered goals in the first period, providing the margin that would hold in a 6-2 win over Academies of Albany.  Albany rattled two goals into the Salmon River goal in the first two minutes of the second period, but the Shamrock defense recovered and went on for a 5-2 victory.  Krista Oakes led the way with a hat trick (three goals) for the Shamrocks.  Sky Timmons added a goal and two assists, while Tia Mitchell and Leah Shenandoah added single markers. Tewasherake Barnes added two assists, while Alicia Thomas, Emily Tremblay, Toni Garrow, Savannah Francis and Karley Cree had single assists. Maura Mulligan had a goal and an assist for Albany, while Erin Byrk scored the other goal and Kaitlin Pericak contributed an assist. Salmon River goalie Tanisha Thompson gathered 23 saves, while Albany’s Allyson Bussey corralled 24 shots.
 

Details Provided by Paul Zaruch
January 12: The Ithaca Little Red defeated the Oswego Lady Buccaneers 4-2 behind a solid defensive effort. Carrie Wilder scored a first and second-period goal to give Ithaca a 2-0 lead. Then midway in the second period Taylar Cianfarano scored two goals just 22 seconds apart to tie the game. Ithaca then scored the eventual game winner less than two minutes later on a goal by Shaina Joffe.  Joffe added an empty-netter to seal the victory with 20 seconds left in the game.. Alex Stagliano had 13 saves for Ithaca, while Madisyn Whalen stopped 24 shots for Oswego.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
January 16: In a quick turn around, Saranac Lake was back on the ice just 13 hours after playing to an overtime tie Friday night with Oswego, to face a key match up with Alexandria Bay, but came away with a 4-3 victory. Saranac Lake fell behind 1-0 in the first period when Jamie Wiley scored with an assist from Katy Taylor. Saranac Lake tied the score on an unassisted power play goal by Mackenzie Cotter just 2:45 into what would become a very busy second period. Saranac Lake took the lead 2-1 at 5:13 of the second on a Meagan Mueller goal, assisted by Mallory Cotter and Olivia Glans. Alex Bay answered right back as Wiley beat the Saranac Lake goalie from the top of the circle to tie the game at 2-2. Cotter scored her second goal of the game assisted by Rhonwen Jones and Maggie Nester to put the Red Storm up a goal again.  Jones then added what would become the game winner, assisted by the Cotter sisters. But Alex Bay was not finished. Wiley found Jessica Prance who brought the Purple Ghosts back within a goal with a score at 13:55 of the second period. The third period saw no goals, but Alex Bay put on a lot of pressure, including pulling their goalie for the last 1:25 of the game. “I’m very proud of the way our freshman defensemen (McDougall and Battistoni) have played down the stretch,” said Saranac Lake Coach Julie Cotter. “They continue to improve with each game.” Assistant Coach Cindy Williams added, “After being bumped and bruised last night, Mackenzie (Cotter) showed great determination today.” Saranac Lake improved to 6-6-3 overall and 5-5-1 in league play. Saranac Lake travels to Ithaca on Monday.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
January 15: The Saranac Lake Red Storm and Oswego Lady Buccaneers battled to a 2-2 overtime tie.  After a scoreless first period, Saranac Lake’s Shannon Muldowney picked up a loose puck in the offensive zone and beat Oswego goalie Allison Yule to put the Red Storm up 1-0. At 10:28 of the second period, Oswego’s Karissa Favata was tripped on a break away and awarded a penalty shot, but Saranac Lake’s Ashley Pittman was up to the task and turned away the shot and the period ended 1-0. At 5:14 of the third, Saranac Lake received two penalties on the same play. With a two-man advantage, the league’s leading scorer Taylor Cianfarano was able to take advantage and tie the game at 1-1. Muldowney answered back just a minute later with her second goal of the game to put Saranac Lake back up 2-1. Oswego continued to press, out-shooting the Red Storm 13-4 in the third and scored on a goal by Kaitlin Friel at 10:09 of the period to tie the game and send it to overtime. Oswego kept up the pressure in overtime, but Saranac Lake was able to turn away all shots to preserve the tie. Saranac Lake’s next game is Saturday at 11:30 at the Saranac Lake Civic Center against Alexandria Bay. On Monday, the Red Storm travels to Ithaca.
 

Details Provided by Jim Barnes
January 12: The Salmon River Shamrocks climbed back into contention for a post-season playoff berth with a 2-1 win over visiting Lake Placid. Karley Cree powered the Shamrock scoring attack with both goals, one on an assist from Krista Oakes. Lake Placid’s lone tally was from the stick of Michelle Sardella with an assist from Megan Christy. Salmon River’s Nancy Cook had a strong game with 26 saves to preserve the victory. Chelsea Preston of Lake Placid was equally as impressive, turning back 34 of 36 shots she faced.
 

Details Provided by Patty Wagoner
January 11: In a very fast paced, evenly matched game, it was not until 3:44 into the third period that Canton's Michelle Varney broke the stalemate with a power play goal assisted by Heather Richards and Alisen Edwards. Moments later Alex Bay's Geneva Wagoner picked up the puck in the neutral zone on a power play, and drove to the net to tie up the score with an unassisted goal. Finally, with 3:10 left on the clock, Canton's Jessica Denoncourt found the back of the net ,assisted by Heather Richards and Sam Corbet. Both goalies played tough games with Alex Bay's Caitlin Russell turned away 23 shots, while Canton's Sam Brown stopped 22.
 

Canton’s Morgan McLellan (5) looks to get a shot off from the slot with a Potsdam player trying to knock the shot down.   The Canton Golden Bears held on for a 3-2 win over the Potsdam Sandstoners.   Taylor Marcellus opened the scoring with a goal from Alison Edwards early in the second period. Canton expanded its lead to 2-0 at 3:01 of the third period when Morgan McLellan tipped home a rebound off the initial blast from Heather Richards. The Sandstoners edged within a goal when Tori Regan connected on a shot from Keeley Rice and Abbie Adams just two minutes later. Jessica Denoncourt put the game away for the Bears when she jammed home Canton’s third marker from Michelle Varney and Mackenzie Lennox. (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery   NCSN Game Broadcast

Canton goalie Laurie King scrambles to cover up the loose puck with two Potsdam players crashing the net.  Adams made the “picture play” of the night when she crossed in front of the Canton net pulling goaltender Laurie King to the left, spun and backhanded a shot into the net into the open right side of the net. King saved 19 or 21 shots, while Abby Tardelli stopped seven shots and Anna Foster, in her first appearance in net for the Stoners, turned aside nine of ten shots.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery   NCSN Game Broadcast
 

Skaneateles’ Michelle Bronk (19) controls the puck in scooting past St. Lawrence Central's Noel Thomas (4).  Skaneateles defeated the Larries in a key win in the Girls Hockey League standings, keeping the Lakers in contention for a possible postseason berth.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

St. Lawrence Central’s Lynne Haynes (16) looks to work the puck to the corner while being defended by Skaneateles’s Maddy Morrissey (11).
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
January 11: The goalies dominated play in a fast paced, up and down scoreless overtime game. Both teams killed two penalties. Abbie Tardelli had 19 saves for Potsdam.  Saranac Lake’s Ashley Pittman turned away all 31 shots she faced.
 

Skaneateles sophomore goalie Alex Brown stopped 35 of 36 Canton shots.  (Photo from RIkkie Lee Harper)

January 9: Saturday afternoon the Lakers met Canton, the current top team in the state and came away with a hard fought 1-1 tie. Canton opened the scoring five minutes into the first period on a goal by Mackenzie Lennox, assisted by Sam Corbett and Alisen Edwards. Skaneateles tied the game two minutes into the second stanza on a perfect wrist shot from Kalie Pidgeon that found the top of the Canton net. Junior, Taylor Kerr, got the assist. Neither team could notch a game-winner despite playing the five-minute sudden-death overtime period. Canton’s Laurie King stopped 16 shots while Skaneateles’ sophomore keeper, Alex Brown, kept out 35 of Canton’s 36 shots to secure the 1-1 tie.

Wild scramble in front of the Skaneateles net, but the defense comes to the aid of goalkeeper Alex Brown.

January 8: On Friday night in Potsdam both teams played to a 2-2 tie.  The Sandstoners scored first at the 11:20 mark of the first period, on a power-play goal by Abbie Adams, assisted by Kaycee Maguire. The Lakers tied it up with only 13 seconds left in the second period when senior, Tori Major, found the back of the net, with an assist from Taylor Kerr. Skaneateles went ahead early in the third on a tally by Michele Bronk, assisted by Maddy Morrissey. Potsdam was able to put the game into overtime on a late goal by Tori Reagan, assisted by Abby Scott. Five minutes of overtime play left the final score at 2 each. Sandstoner goalie, Abbie Tardelli, stopped 20 of 22 shots, while Skaneateles goalkeeper, Alex Brown turned away 35 shots on 37 attempts.
 

Alexandria Bay’s Geneva Wagoner (88) comes out from behind the net to fire a shot on Potsdam goaltender Abby Tardelli who made the save.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Alexandria Bay’s Jamie Wiley gets enough space between her and a Potsdam defense-man to get a shot off that found the back of the net for the games lone goal.  Alex Bay upset Potsdam 1-0 on a goal from Jamie Wiley on a quick pass from Katy Murphy with 2:38 left in the game. Alexandria's Caitlin Russell collected 12 saves in net.  Abby Tardelli stopped 14 of 15 shots for Potsdam.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Details Provided by Patty Wagoner
January 9: In a game of strong defenses, Alexandria Central scored a late third period goal to defeat Potsdam 1-0 in a league contest Saturday morning. Both teams played well between the blue lines protecting their goalies, and each allowed only twelve shots through three periods of play. Alexandria's Jamie Wiley, off a quick pass from Katy Murphy in front of their own goal, skated end-to-end before scoring the sole goal of the game.  Alexandria goalie Caitlin Russell collected 12 saves in net.  Abby Tardelli stopped 14 of 15 shots for Potsdam. 
 

Details Provided by Sandy Payne
January 8: In a solid team effort, Lake Placid's Lorissa Martin and Elizabeth Leff scored their first high school goals in a 5-0 win over Albany Academy. Albany played with determination and created several scoring opportunities, but Marinna Flagg had a flawless game in net for the Blue Bombers. Steady goaltending, along with two goals from Catherine Valentine and one marker each from Martin, Leff and Megan Christy allowed the Blue Bombers to try new plays and different line combinations. Scoring: First period- 1, LP, Christy (Manning, Whitney), 2:00. Second period- 2, LP, Valentine (Manning), 1:42. 3, LP, Martin (Reid, L. Sardella), 6:32. 4, LP, Leff (Nardiello, Christy), 12:20. Third Period- 5, LP, Valentine (Unassisted), 11:33. Shots: Lake Placid 31. Albany Academy 24. Saves: Flagg, LP, 24. Bussey, AA, 26.
 

Details Provided by Rolfe Wagoner
January 6: Alexandria Central finally found out how it feels to win a game in overtime, defeating visiting Skaneateles Wednesday night 2-1. In a very evenly matched game, Alex Bay pounded Skaneatles's goalie Alex Brown with 42 shots during regulation play, before finally winning the game in the sudden-victory OT period. After a scoreless first period, the Purple Ghosts opened the scoring three minutes into the second period when Jamie Wiley teamed up with Jessica Prance and Katy Murphy. Skaneateles kept the pressure on, finally scoring their lone goal of the game with 3:34 left in the second period when Victoria Major scored from Kalie Pidgeon and Carrie Hinchman. Neither team was able to add to the tally in the third period, ending the regulation portion at 1-1. Tiffany Lingenfelter's goal with just 1:37 left in the OT period secured the victory for the Ghosts. Jessica Prance and Jamie Wiley assisted on the game-winning goal. Alex Bay's Caitlin Russell had a strong performance turning away 29 shots for the winning team.
 

Details Provided by Sandy Payne
January 5: Lake Placid's Brenna Whitney scored the first goal on a rebound after Kendra Manning stole the puck in the neutral zone and took it to the net. However, the Massena Red Raiders bounced back for a 2-1 league victory.  Orenda Herne scored off of Shaydi Oakes's faceoff five minutes later, then Emily Underwood scored the winning goal with a wrist shot to the glove-side corner with 21 seconds left in the second period. Despite several hard shots from Catherine Valentine and a strong effort with an empty net in the last two minutes, Lake Placid couldn't get the puck past Rusello again to get back in the game. Scoring: First Period- 1, LP, Brenna Whitney (Kendra Manning), 2:59. 2, M, Orenda Herne (Shaydi Oakes), 8:51. Second Period- M, Emily Underwood (Josie Wood), 0:21. Saves: Marinna Flagg, LP, 27. Lindsey Rusello, M, 17.
 

Details Provided by Rikkie Lee Harper
December 29: At the hands of division rival Skaneateles and on their home ice, Oswego suffered their first loss of the season 4-0 in a non-league contest. First period shots-on-goal slightly favored Oswego, but the Lakers’ senior forward Maddy Morrissey found the back of the Buccaneer net with 4 minutes left until intermission. Michelle Bronk and Taylor Kerr both assisted on the goal. The second period saw the Lakers step up the pressure  resulting in a goal by Brittany Williams, assisted by senior defenseman Tori Major at the 13-minute mark . With four minutes left in the final period, Bronk scored an assurance goal for Skaneateles with assists from Kerr and Morrissey. The Lakers’ fourth goal was an empty-netter by Morrissey with an assist by Skaneateles goalie Alexandra Brown. Oswego goalies Madisyn Whalen and Allison Yule combined for 24 saves, while Brown turned away all 28 shots for the Lakers.
 

Ithaca goaltender Alex Stagliano dives out to stick away the puck before Salmon River's Karley Cree can tip the puck over the fallen netminder.  In a wild finish, Ithaca bounced back to score three goals in the final four minutes, including the game winner by Shaina Joffe with just 26 seconds left in the game, to beat Salmon River 5-4.  The win put Ithaca in a three-way tie for the eighth and final playoff position with three weeks left in the season.  (Bob LaRue/Chris Engel photos)  Game Gallery   NCSN Broadcast

Salmon River goaltender Tanisha Thompson makes the stop and defenseman Elizabeth Kelly clears the rebound with an Ithaca attacker lurking in the crease.  Ithaca's Serena Mendola and Shaina Joffe scored two goals in the first 3:10 of the contest.  However, Salmon River dominated the second period with a short-handed goal by Kawe Francis-Herne and Skye Timmons.  In a wild final five minutes, Salmon River took a 3-2 lead, only to give it away on a pair of power-play goals.  The Shamrocks tied the game 4-4 with 65 seconds left when Krista Oakes scored.  But Krystalyn Yonkin was credited with tipping home the game-winner in the midst of a wild scramble in front of the Salmon River net with 0:26 left. 
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
January 5: Saranac Lake scored quickly and never looked back in beating St. Lawrence Central 6-2. Sydney Battistoni scored an unassisted goal that deflected off a defender, just 44 seconds into the game. Mallory Cotter added the first of her three goals just 58 seconds later to give Saranac Lake a 2-0 lead with less than two minutes gone in the first period. Meagan Mueller scored at 14:20 of the period to give Saranac Lake a 3-0 at the first intermission. St. Lawrence’s Jordyn Clothier scored the first of her two goals, a power-play marker at 3:11 of the second and gave St. Lawrence renewed energy. Mueller and Cotter then each scored their second goals to make it 5-1 at the end of the second period. Clothier scored for St. Lawrence at 4:47 of the third. Cotter then finished her hat trick at 13:31 of the third assisted by Mackenzie Cotter and Shannon Muldowney.  Shots SL 40, StL 27. Saves: SL Pittman 25, Nye 0.  StL Johnson 34.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
January 2: The Oswego Lady Bucs remained undefeated in league play by beating visiting Saranac Lake by a score of 4-1. The Bucs moved to 4-0 in league play and 7-1 overall. Scoring was as follows: Oswego goals: Hutcheson 2, Cianfarano 1, Friel 1. Oswego assists: Cianfarano 2, Opet 1, Darling 1. Oswego Saves: Whalen 22. Saranac Lake goal: Cotter 1. Saranac Lake assists: Battistoni 1. Saranac Lake saves: Pittman 24.
 

Details Provided by Sandy Payne
December 28: The Lake Placid High School girls hockey team came back from yesterday's tough loss with a 6-2 victory over Middlebury Union in the consolation of the Middlebury Tournament.  Scoring:  First period- 1, Middlebury, Hescock, 6:25. 2, LP, McConnell (L. Sardella, Reid), 6:54. 3, LP, Butler (LaVigne), 13:20. 4, LP, Whitney (Christy, LaVigne), 14:00.  Second Period: 5, LP, Manning (Whitney), 7:25. 6, LP, L. Sardella (McConnell), 10:48.  Third Period: 7, Middlebury, Hescock (Foshay), :51. 8. LP, Manning (Whitney), 13:03.  Saves: Preston, LP, 25. Howlett, Middlebury, 45.For Coach Sandy Payne, "This was the best game we've played all season, especially in the first two periods. Every player on the team stepped up the intensity today. The line of Louisa Sardella, Brooke Reid, and Caitlin McConnell set the pace with aggressive, determined forechecking. The rest of the team followed with exceptional efforts in all 3 zones, attacking the puck, passing and breaking out well, and going to the net for rebounds. Centers Megan Christy, Brennan Butler, and Louisa Sardella gained countless advantages by winning almost all of their faceoffs. On defense, Michelle Sardella and Natalia Smith were notable forces in our zone and Chelsea Preston played a solid game in net. Madeson LaVigne held the blue line well in the offensive zone. Middlebury's Emmy Hescock worked hard to earn both of her goals, using her speed and solid moved to get by our skaters and picking the corners with precision.  The girls worked hard, played smart and they played as a team. I couldn't have asked for more." Current record: 3-1-0-0-2 in league. 4-1-0-0-3 overall. 

December 27:  The Lake Placid High School girls hockey team fell 2-1 to South Burlington in the Duke Nelson/Wendy Forbes Memorial Hockey Tournament in Middlebury, VT. Scoring: Second Period: 1, LP, Brenna Whitney (Megan Christy), 0:13. 2, SB, Molly Higgins (Meghan Weinheimer), 11:52. Third Period: 3, SB, Kelsey Watkin (Alie Cunavelis, Allie Knight), 5:14 Saves: Marinna Flagg, LP, 35. Jenn Arnold, SB, 13.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 28: The Saranac lake Red Storm was defeated by South Burlington, 4-1, in the championship game of the 2009 Duke Wilson-Wendy Forbes Memorial Hockey Tournament in Middlebury.  South Burlington was led by two goals from Molly Higgins, along with a goal and and two assists from Alie Cunevalis. Saranac Lake’s goal was scored by Mackenzie Cotter assisted by Jordynne McDougall.  1st Period: 1. SB Higgins 11:09 (unassisted). 2nd Period: 2. SL Mk. Cotter 3:18 (McDougall) 3. SB 4:07 Cunevalis (unassisted). 3rd Period: 4. SB Watkin 12:03 (Cunevalis, Farmer, pp) 5. SB 14:52 Higgins (Cunevalis, Watkin, pp)

December 27: Saranac Lake shuffled its lineup with good results Sunday afternoon in Middlebury in a 3-0 win in the semifinals of the  Duke Nelson/Wendy Forbes Memorial Hockey Tournament in Middlebury, VT. After a scoreless first period, Jen Peryea, playing forward for the first time in several years, scored what would hold up to be the game winner at 1:59 of the second period, assisted by Megan Mueller. Saranac Lake’s defense, bolstered by moving captain Mallory Cotter from forward to the blue line, held Middlebury to only 12 shots on goal, a season best for the Red Storm defense. Shannon Muldowney added two quick insurance goals at the start of the third period to solidify the victory. Muldowney was assisted by Cotter and Jordynne McDougall.
 

Details Provided by Rikkie Lee Harper
December 22: The Skaneateles Lakers improved their league record to 2-1 and overall record to 3-2 with a league win over Ithaca at the Skaneateles Community Center. The Lakers claimed a 4-2 win over their Sectional rivals. Hannah McKerchie and Maddy Elia found the back of the Little Red net in the first period, with Taylor Kerr assisting on the McKerchie goal. Ithaca tightened the game with an early second period goal off the stick of Serena Mendola, assisted by Allison Grippin and Clara Karastury. However, Skaneateles quickly countered with an unassisted goal by senior defenseman Tori Major and the period ended with Skaneateles leading 3-1. In the final stanza, Kerr, a Laker junior forward, tallied her own goal to extend the lead at the 6:27 mark, with an assist from Michele Bronk. Three minutes later, Ithaca scored a final unassisted goal from Carrie Wilder. Ithaca goalkeeper Alex Stagliano made 27 saves, while Laker goalie Alexandra Brown stopped 31 shots for the win.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 22: The Saranac Lake Red Storm had the early lead, but Salmon River rebounded for a 3-2 win.  Saranac Lake jumped out in front on a goal by Shannon Muldowney assisted by Mackenzie Cotter and Sidney Battistoni at 7:19 of the first period. The lead was shortlived as Krista Oakes picked up a loose puck in front of the Saranac Lake net and blistered a slap shot past Red Storm goalie Ashley Pittman at 7:48. The Shamrocks pulled ahead with just 19 seconds left in the first frame on a goal by Karley Cree assisted by Tia Mitchell and Sky Timmons. The Red Storm tied the game at 3:32 of the second period when Muldowney intercepted a pass on the penalty kill and scored unassisted. The game remained close with both teams having their chances until 5:51 of the third period when Savannah Francis scored the winning goal, unassisted, for Salmon River.
 

Details Provided by Rolf Wagoner
December 21: Caitlin Russell, with 34 saves in net for Alex Bay, was a major factor in the 3-1 non-league victory over Potsdam. Potsdam's lone goal was scored by Allie Miller unassisted with 3:23 remaining in the first period. In second period action, Alex Bay scored the first of their three powerplay goals at 2:15 on a slapshot from the point by Kaitlyn Murphy, assisted by Geneva Wagoner. Six minutes later, Jamie Wiley scored Alexandria's second powerplay goal on a pass from Wagoner and Tiffany Lingenfelter. Jamie Wiley scored the Purple Ghosts' third player-advantage goal on a pass from Kaitlyn Murphy with 4:33 left in the game. Potsdam's Abby Tardelli had 18 saves.
 

A shot fired by Canton's Mickie Lennox is seen rattling through traffic in front of Potsdam goaltender Abby Tardelli and gets redirected into the net to the right.  Lennox scored all three goals, including the game winner just 38 seconds into overtime as the Canton Lady Bears defeated the Sandstoners 3-2.  Only moments before, Potsdam's Abby Adams redirected an Abby Scott pass to tie the game with only 33 seconds left in regulation.  Courtney Baxter scored the other Potsdam goal from Adams.  (Bob LaRue photo)  Game Gallery

Canton goalkeeper Samantha Brown goes low and extends outward to stop a close-range shot in the first period.  Brown finished with 20 saves, while Potsdam's Abby Tardelli corralled 18 shots in a 3-2 overtime victory for the Golden Bears.  Potsdam drew the first score on a Courtney Baxter shot, but Canton responded near the end of the first period when Mackenzie Lennox backhanded her first of three markers.  After a scoreless middle frame, Lennox flipped a breakaway shot just under the crossbar to take a 2-1 lead at 4:19 of the third period.   (Bob LaRue photo)  Game Gallery
 

Details Provided by Rolf Wagoner
December 19:  The Alexandria Bay Purple Ghosts snagged a hard-fought seesaw victory over Ithaca 5-4 in a non-league game on Saturday.  In the first period, Ithaca's Shaina Joffe opened the game at 9:13 with the first of her two goals, while Carrie Wilder recorded the assist.  Alex Bay's Jamie Wiley tied the game with the first of her three goals, unassisted at 12:33.  In the second period, Joffe scored the go-ahead goal at 2: 43 assisted by Clara Karastury. Alexandria's Jessica Prance pounded a tying goal from point-blank range on a pass from Wiley and Brittin Vanosdel. Then at 14:52, Ithaca's Krystalyn Yonkin scored, assisted by Nitsan Goldstein and Serena Mendola.  In third period action, Alex Bay's Jamie Wiley tied the score with her second unassisted goal at 2:43.  Then at 11:31, Geneva Wagoner scored Alexandria's first go-ahead goal on a pass from Brittin Vanosdel.  Just over two minutes later (13:32) Ithaca's Serena Mendola tied the score for the fourth time. Alex Bay's Jamie Wiley scored her third unassisted goal with a minute left in the game to give the Bay the 5-4 win.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
December 19: The Oswego Lady Bucs topped St. Lawrence Central 7-0 in a league contest at home. Scoring was as follows: Oswego Goals: Cianfarano 6, Faivus 1. Oswego Assists: Hutcheson 3, Friel 3, Favata 1. Oswego Saves: Whalen 15, Yule 11.  SLC Saves: Peets 3, Johnson 22.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 18: At Scotts’ Rink, where the temperature hovered just below zero, Astrid Kempainen scored two goals to lead the Chazy Eagles to a 3-1 victory over the Saranac Lake Red Storm. Saranac Lake goalie Ashley Pittman was kept busy again as Chazy outshot the Red Storm 45-9. The first period ended 0-0, but Chazy "turned up the heat" in the cold rink in the second period, scoring two goals on 21 shots. Kempainen scored her first goal at 7:03 of the second period with assists from Shannon Olsen and Kirsten Doran. A minute later, Jessica Huber scored with an assist from Chelsea Guay. Kempainen scored her second goal, unassisted at 7:42 of the third period. Saranac Lake did not give up and got pressure on Chazy goalie Christina Emery at the end of the game, with Olivia Glans scoring with assists to Mallory Cotter and Mackenzie Cotter.
 

Details Provided by Paul Zarach
December 18: The Ithaca Little Red picked up its first league victory tonight with a 5-1 win over the St. Lawrence Larries. Shaina Joffe had a hat trick and Krystalyn Yonkin added two goals to lead Ithaca. Marlena Doerr added three assists, while Alex Stagliano earned the win in goal. Also adding assists were Nitsan Goldstein and Carrie Wilder. Grace Lyon scored the lone goal for the Larries on an assist from Lynne Haynes.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 16: The Saranac Lake Red Storm nipped rival Lake Placid 2-1 on a last-minute goal.  After a scoreless first period, Mallory Cotter dove and knocked in a rebound of a Maggie Nester shot to give Saranac Lake a 1-0 lead at 3:56 of the second period. It was a classic back and forth Saranac Lake – Lake Placid game with both goalies playing well. In the second period Lake Placid out shot Saranac Lake 19 to 8. At 4:10 of the third period Caitlin McConnell wrapped one around the goal to beat Pittman and tie the game at 1-1. With 14 seconds left Cotter beat Flagg high on a sharp angle shot. She was assisted by Shannon Muldowney and Mackenzie Cotter. Saranac lake Coach Julie Cotter said, “Ashley played amazingly in goal and all the girls played well. It was a 100% team effort.” Pittman ended the game with 27 saves while Marinna Flagg turned away 18 shots for the Bombers.
 

Alexandria Bay’s Jamie Wiley gets tripped by St. Lawrence Central’s Amanda Webster (23) and sent sprawling while chasing down the puck in Tuesday's lone high school girls hockey contest.  After a 1-1 tie through the first period, Alex Bay erupted for two goals in the second frame and four more in the third for a 7-3 win at Brasher.  Wiley led the Purple Ghosts with three goals and three assists.
(Eric Foote photo)   Game Gallery   NCSN Game Broadcast

  St. Lawrence Central’s Grace Lyon (2) crashes the net looking for a rebound off the pad of Alex Bay’s goalie Caitlin Russell who made 20 saves.  Net opponent Breanna Johnson turned aside 19 shots.  Tiffany Lingenfelter and Jessica Prance both contributed a goal and an assist for the Ghosts.  Lyon scored a pair of goals to pace the Larries. Alexandria won 7-3.
 

Details Provided by Rikkie Lee Harper
December 18: Visiting Skaneateles defeated Massena 3-0 in League play on Friday evening, despite being outshot 41 to 17. The Lakers, behind the play of their sophomore goalie, Alexandra Brown, picked up three points and brought their league record to 1-1, with an overall record of 2-2. The first period ended without a goal being scored, but 3:39 into the second period Michele Bronk netted the first Laker goal, assisted by Taylor Kerr. Skaneateles scored twice in the third period on goals by Kim O’Brien and Victoria Major, with assists by Maddie Morrissey (2) and Bronk. Brown faced 11 shots in the first period and 15 shots each in the second and third frames, while Massena’s Lindsay Rusello made 14 saves.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 14: Saranac Lake’s Mallory Cotter scored an unassisted power play goal at 6:53 of the first period and that lead held till midway through the third period when Canton's Michelle Varney scored at 7:17, assisted by MacKenzie Lennox and Jessica Denoncourt.  Denoncourt then scored the game winner at 12:38 of the third frame, assisted by Lennox and Varney. Ashley Pittman had 22 saves for Saranac Lake, while Laurie King turned away 10 shots for the Golden Bears.
 

Details Provided by Jim Barnes
December 11: Bellows Free Academy rolled away from Salmon River with a 7-2 win on Friday night.  Salmon River goals were scored by Alicia Thomas and Sky Timmons. Assist to Karley Cree and Savannah Francis. Nancy Cook 19 saves in the Shamrock net.   Salmon plays Essex VT at home Sat. at 1 p.m.
 

Canton’s Mickie Lennox (4) crashes the net looking for a rebound from Massena goaltender Lindsey Russello who collected 23 saves on the night.  However, Canton's Jessica Denoncourt scored on a partial breakaway in the second period, then Murphy Newman fired a floater from the blue line through a screen for the game winner four minutes into the third frame for a 2-1 win over the Red Raiders.  Orenda Herne scored the lone goal for Massena.  (Eric Foote photo)
  Game Gallery   Game Broadcast

Canton’s Michelle Varney (21) keeps controls of the puck while being tripped up by Massena’s Alexa Cappione (5). The Raiders pulled their goaltender in the final 75 seconds, but could not get the equalizer. Canton's Laurie King made 21 saves on the night.    Game Gallery   Game Broadcast
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 7: In a hard fought defensive battle Chazy defeated Saranac Lake 1-0 at the Saranac Lake Civic Center. Amanda Petersen knocked in the rebound of Emily Raville's shot at 12:11 of the 1st period. Sara Lotemplio also assisted on the goal. Ashley Pittman kept Saranac Lake in the game with her strong goaltending as Chazy out shot Saranac Lake 26 to 6.
 

Details Provided by Chris Covert
December 4: Saranac Lake got off to a slow start but finished strong to beat an improved Albany Academy team 8-3 on strong efforts from Megan Mueller, Olivia Glans, and Mackenzie Cotter. Albany’s Emily Cassin scored the first of her 2 goals at 9:26 of the first period. That goal was answered 31 seconds later by Saranac Lake’s Andrea Nye with assists from Alex Covert and Sidney Battistoni. Mueller then centered the puck which was deflected by Glans for the first of her 2 goals. Albany battled back and scored the next 2 goals by Martha Crowley and Cassin’s second goal to take a 3-2 lead into the locker room. Saranac Lake started to takeover midway through the second period when Mackenzie Cotter scored the 1st of her 3 goals. Mueller then scored 2 goals to send the Storm into the third period with a 5-3 lead. Glans added a goal and Cotter finished her hat trick in the third. Mueller and Shannon Muldowney each added 2 assists.
 

Canton goaltender Laurie King (33) makes a spectacular save on a point-blank save on against Salmon River's Savannah Francis (17).  King made 31 saves, equaled by goaltending opponent Nancy Cook of Salmon River in a 1-1 overtime tie at Fort Covington.  The Shamrocks' Karley Cree broke a scoreless deadlock with an unassisted goal in a scrum in front of the Canton net late in the second period.  Taylor Marcellus connected on a pass from Lauren Orosz to tie the game. 
(Bob LaRue photo)  Game Gallery

Salmon River's Lakota Lazore (24) winds up for the slapshot against Canton's Alisen Edwards (7).  The Shamrocks' Karley Cree broke a scoreless deadlock with an unassisted goal in a scrum in front of the Canton net late in the second period.  Taylor Marcellus connected on a pass from Lauren Orosz to tie the game for Canton in the third, preceding the scoreless OT.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
November 24: The Oswego Lady Bucs won their second contest of the season with a 5-4 non-league win over visiting Ithaca. The Bucs are now 1-0 in league play and 2-0 overall.  Oswego goals: Cianfarano 2, Favius 1, Hutcheson 1, Darling 1. Oswego assists: Cianfarano 2, Friel 2, Hutcheson 1, Favata 1.  Ithaca goals: Yonkin 3, Doerr 1.  Ithaca assists: Jaffe 2, Mendala 1, Wilder 1.  Saves:  Whalen (Oswego) 23, Stagliano (Ithaca) 23.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
December 5: The Oswego Lady Bucs beat visiting Salmon River 4-2. Oswego goals: Cianfarano 3, Hutcheson 1. Oswego assists: Mancuso 2, Friel 1, Hutcheson 1. Oswego Saves: Whalen 35.  Salmon River goals: Cree 1, Oakes 1. Salmon River assists: Lazore1, Garrow 1, Mitchell 1. Salmon River Saves: Thompson 14.

December 4: The Oswego Lady Buccaneers beat Massena in a non-league contest 5-2 on Friday night. With the win the Bucs remain 2-0 in league play and move to 4-0 overall on the season. Goals: (Osw) Cianfarano 3, Hutcheson 2. (Mass) Oakes 1, Gonzales 1.  Assists: (Osw) Cianfarano 2, Hutcheson 1, Friel 1, Mancuso 1.  (Mass) Babcock 1.Saves: Yule (Osw) 21, (Mass) Rusello 20, Jackson 2.
 

Details Provided by Dan Bartlett
November 29: The Oswego Lady Bucs topped Chazy in a league contest 7-3 on Sunday morning to move to 2-0 in the league and 3-0 overall on the season.  Oswego Goals: Cianfarano 3, Hutcheson 2, Mancuso 1, Darling 1.  Oswego Assists:  Hutcheson 2, Cianfarano 1, Mancuso 1, Friel 1.  Chazy Goals: Peterson 1, Guay 1, LaPier 1.  Chazy Assists: Terry 1, Waterbury 1, Raville 1.  Saves: Whalen (Oswego) 33, Emery (Chazy) 15.
 

Potsdam’s Lia Davis (23) looks to dump the puck into the offensive zone while being pressured by Massena’s Courtney Manley (16).  The Sandstoners opened in defense of last year's Upstate New York Girls Hockey League title by defeating the Massena Red Raiders 2-0 in a non-league encounter on Wednesday.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Massena’s Brittany Beckstead (7) protects the puck by leaning into Potsdam’s Abby Scott (13).  Lexi Hunt and Allie Miller scored the goals for Potsdam (1-0 overall). Courtney Baxter and Kaycee Maguire assisted.  Abby Tardelli collected 16 saves in the net.