Hollydell Ice Arena Youth Ice Hockey:
Mites Manchester Cup - Hollydell Maple Leafs vs. Medford Panthers

Sunday, March 8, 1998

By Gary Finigan
SJSports Special Correspondent

The 4th Annual Manchester Cup for Mites matched the host Hollydell Maple Leafs against the Medford Panthers. In a close game, the Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 to capture the Manchester Cup.

In the first period, Medford started off the scoring at the 9:50 mark. Panther defenseman Charles Lotierzo scored an unassisted goal for the early 1-0 lead. He picked up the puck in his own defensive zone, got around the defense at center ice and skated in all alone to score. At the 8:15 mark, minor penalties were issued to both teams. Maple Leafs defenseman Garvey received a tripping infraction. The Panthers received a pair of minors, forwards Eddie Michalak and Ben Rosengard both picked up roughing calls.

Just four minutes into the second period, Hollydell came back to tie the score at 1-1. Maple Leafs forward H. Carson took control of the loose puck at the blue line, moved down the right wing and into to the slot for the shot and the goal. At the 12:10 mark, Hollydell forward M. Magee picked up a tripping penalty. Panther defenseman Justin Black was called for high sticking with 6:43 on the clock. With just 2:43 left in the period, Maple Leaf forward A. Santoro served two minutes for interference.

The third period action provided the game winning goal. With a heads up play, Panther defenseman Charles Lotierzo scored his second goal to give Medford the 2-1 lead. Grabbing the loose puck at his own blue line, he bounced a pass off the right boards to get past the defenseman and skated in all alone to beat the goalie for the eventual game winner. The Maple Leafs pulled their goalie with under a minute to go in the final period. But the Medford Panthers held the lead and captured the 4th Annual Manchester Cup for the Mites.

1st Place - Medford Panthers