#8 Connetquot Sayville Stuns #1 Kings Park Commack

The Rinx in Hauppauge, NY, was at capacity for the Round 1 SCHSHL playoff game between Connetquot Sayville and Kings Park Commack. With the loser going home, tension was high, and the game lived up to its billing.

The #8 seed Connetquot Sayville faced off against the #1 seed Kings Park Commack in a game that would be remembered for its intense defense and stellar goaltending. Matthew Hughes played the game of his life, keeping the puck out of the net for the entire game, leading his team to a nail-biting victory in the shootout.

The first period saw both teams playing cautiously, with neither side able to find the back of the net. Penalties were a factor, with Sean Connolly of Connetquot Sayville being sent to the box for roughing. The second period continued in the same vein, with both teams’ defenses holding firm. Kings Park Commack’s Alex Argila and Peter Abazis were penalized for hooking and slashing, respectively.

As the game moved into the third period, the tension in The Rinx was palpable. Both teams had chances, but neither could break the deadlock. Danny Jung of Connetquot Sayville was penalized for slashing, but Kings Park Commack couldn’t capitalize on the power play.

Overtime brought more of the same, with both teams playing tight, disciplined hockey. The game would be decided in a shootout, where Ryan Fleischauer of Connetquot Sayville would be the hero, scoring the game-winning goal.

The game was a showcase of defensive prowess, with both goaltenders putting on a masterclass. Joseph O’Neill of Kings Park Commack was equally impressive, but it was Hughes who stole the show, earning a well-deserved shutout.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Matthew Hughes (Connetquot Sayville): His shutout performance was the key to victory.
2. Ryan Fleischauer (Connetquot Sayville): Scored the game-winning goal in the shootout.
3. Joseph O’Neill (Kings Park Commack): Despite the loss, his goaltending kept his team in the game.

The game will be remembered as a classic playoff battle, with Connetquot Sayville emerging victorious and moving on to the next round. Kings Park Commack’s season ends, but they can hold their heads high, knowing they gave it their all in a game for the ages.