High School Ice Hockey:
Late Game Brawl Overshadows Cherokee Win

Monday, February 7, 2000

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Cherokee defeated Cherry Hill East 5-2 and clinched first place in Tier 2 of the SJHSIHL, but the game was marred by a brawl which forced the officials to stop play with just under three minutes remaining. It's unfortunate that a game with this much importance was cut short due to poor judgement and at times poor officiating. East scored the only goal in the opening period as Mike Danyo deflected a shot by Desrochers. Cherokee tied the game at 1-1 when Paul Caruso scored on a pass from Kyle Kelly and Pat Birney.

Thirty-five seconds later Cherokee had its first lead when Sean Zahaczewski was sent in by Jeff Land and Tim Edwards and it was 2-1 heading into the third period. Two minutes into the period Cherokee made it 3-1 as Land scored this time being set-up by Zahaczawski. Cherokee seemed to be in control of the game but midway through the period Giambanis scored for East to bring them within a goal at 3-2 and give the East fans some hope.

But thirty seconds later, Steve Boianelli on a pass from Kelly, scored for Cherokee and the lead once again was two at 4-2. Then at the five minute mark with East caught in a line change, Land and Edwards broke in all alone and Lands' second goal of the game, iced it for Cherokee at 5-2. These teams will not meet again until next year, barring any upsets in the playoffs, and being older and more mature the ending will be different.

Photos by Joanne Costantino