High School Ice Hockey:
Vikings Survive Scare From Shawnee

Monday, January 24, 2000

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

The Eastern Vikings edged Shawnee 3-2 in a SJHSIHL game played at the Coliseum on Monday night. The Vikings average about forty shots on goal per game but were held to twenty-four, as Shawnee played a solid game defensively. Mike Purwin put Eastern up 1-0 when he scored in the first minute of the game, and it looked like it would be a long night for Shawnee. But with their forwards thinking defense, they waited patiently for their opportunity. With just over five minutes left in the period,, their chance came on the power play and Casey Sherman tied the game at 1-1. However, just two minutes later, the Vikings were on their own power play, and Lucas Urso on a feed from Mike Cianfrani gave Eastern the 2-1 lead heading into the second period. Shawnee's best chance to score came with a two-man advantage for just over a minute, but they could not capitalize. Then Mike Becker sent in Cianfrani on a breakaway, and his goal made it 3-1 after two periods. Keith Williams brought Shawnee to within 3-2 late in the third, but the Vikings would hang on for the win.

Photos by Art Redd