High School Ice Hockey: Better Late Than Never As Chiefs Remain Undefeated Friday, December 12, 2003 By Mike Costantino SJSports Staff Writer Cherokee scored two goals in the last two minutes, including the tying goal with eight seconds left, to keep their undefeated season alive with a 5-5 tie against West Deptford in Tier II action play at Hollydell on Friday night. Greg DeCristofor and Dan Maugeri led the Chiefs attack with two goals each. West Deptford had five different players score and were primed to hand Cherokee their first loss of the season. After the teams traded goals in the first period, one early by Ron Bruce of West Deptford and one late by DeCristofor, Tyler Chellew put West Deptford ahead 2-1 early in the second period using his speed to breakdown the defense and beating goalie Angelo DiBattista. DeCristofor tied the game ninety seconds later with the assist going to Maugeri. Jay Czaczynski ‘s slap shot from the point gave West Deptford a 3-2 lead midway through the period and Cherokee now faced an unusual position for them trailing a game after two periods for the first time all season. Sean McGlinchey put West Deptford up 4-2 three minutes into the third period, but Maugeri cut the lead to 4-3 forty-five seconds later. The games final moments were played at an intensity level that is usually seen in the playoffs, and West Deptford looked like they were in the drivers seat scoring a power play goal with a two-man advantage to take a 5-3 lead. However, Maugeri responded less than a minute later scoring from in close to cut the lead to 5-4. Then in the games final seconds after pulling the goalie for an extra attacker, Matt Loprete tied the game after a mad scramble in front of the net with only eight seconds remaining. Cherokee’s desire to remain unbeaten was too much for West Deptford to handle in the games final moments. Next up Cherokee, meets Lenape and West Deptford will meet Neumann.

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