High School Ice Hockey:
Paul VI Defeats Timber Creek to Advance in Tournament
Friday, February 28, 2003
Seven different players scored as Paul VI rallied from a two-goal deficit and defeated Timber Creek 7-4 in tournament action played in front of a packed house at High Ridge on Friday night. After goals by Justin Palmer and Matt Carpenter had given Timber Creek a 2-0 lead, Brett Balco got one back for Paul VI on the power play to give them some momentum heading into the second period. When Paul VI looks back on their playoff run, their play in the second period should be one they remember. After Brett Doyle tied the score at 2-2, Paul VI would score three goals in forty seconds to seemingly take control of the game. First Daniel Chambers was sent in by Peter Antinore on a breakaway for a 3-2 lead. Then right after the face-off Antinore was set-up by Rich Ferro and his quick shot made it 4-2.
Timber Creek had a chance to cut into the lead as they had a two-man advantage for ninety seconds, but Eric Lake, continuing his strong play in the tournament, did not allow any rebounds and would freeze the puck whenever he could. After Ferro scored a power play goal to make it 5-2, Paul VI would suffer a key loss as Balco had to be taken to the hospital after being buried along the boards and suffering a gash in his forehead. Earlier in the season if this had happened, they might have reacted differently, but they have matured and realizing the importance of the game and did not lose their composure after seeing Balco taken to the hospital.
After Lake had stopped Lanny Frederick on a breakaway, Frederick scored a short-handed goal to bring Timber Creek to within 5-3. Nick Megara’s power play goal with two minutes remaining in the second period made it 5-4, but it looked as if momentum had swung back to Timber Creek. However Eli Facchinei jumped on a loose puck in the slot and his one-timer gave Paul VI a 6-4 lead heading into the third period. Joe Mancini put home a rebound of a shot by Doyle midway through the period and Paul VI held on for the 7-4 victory. Next up will be a match with Clearview, no easy task, but if they give the same effort for three periods….
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