With less than two weeks left in the Section III hockey season, the Oswego Buccaneers boys hockey team got back in the winning column. After a three-game losing streak towards the end of February, the Buccaneers have been able to find success. Oswego has won three of the past four games, with their one defeat coming against undefeated Skaneateles. Head coach Kevin Ahern has been pleased with his team’s performance, especially in the 7-0 win Tuesday night against Ontario Bay.
“The catalyst was the guys that are trying to get into the lineup,” Ahern said. “Those guys wanted to be in the lineup and compete, so they really got us going.”
Louis Roman was able to secure his first varsity goal in the contest, along with Ian Cady tallying the second goal of his young career. Forward Brayden Miller also added to his season goal total with two tallies. Netminder Brayden Demling was the story in between the pipes, as the goaltender made some key saves for the Buccaneers. Demling had 32 saves throughout the shutout and continues to find his game as the season moves on.
Oswego would get one day off before playing Fulton on the road in the Fulton Ice Arena. The Bucs defeated the Red Raiders 3-1 in the rivalry matchup, securing Demling’s fifth win of the season.
Although Fulton has been struggling this season, the Red Raiders scored first. Oswego bounced back in the third period, as goaltender Demling had another game in which he made more than 30 saves. Oswego has faced goaltending problems in the past, but Ahern continued to reassure the issues are behind the team.
“He was able to keep us in the game against Skaneateles, and he made some big saves for us in the win vs. Ontario Bay,” Ahern said. “He made the saves when we needed him to, and he allowed us to continue to put pressure on.”
The defensive core playing in front of Demling has improved, as the group has only allowed one goal in the past two games. Captain Adam Michalski has been a leader in the defensive zone, along with four goals in the offensive zone. The coaching staff was happy with the performance of the second defensive pairing of Thomas Back and Jack O’Leary along with Roman.
“These guys are playing so much better than what they were doing three weeks ago,” Ahern said. “I have a lot of confidence in those guys, and they are doing what we ask of them and keeping the game in front of them.”
In terms of offense, the Buccaneers have been able to turn to many players to put the puck in the back of the net. Collin Cianfarano currently leads the team in points with 14, including seven goals, through 8 games played. Frank Winchek has shown once again that he can make plays with seven assists. Ten different players have been able to score a goal this season. The coaching staff continues to preach that this team has no singular player they turn to night in and night out, but the team leadership has continued to push this team forward.
“There is a lot of guys that are playing their roles and doing a good job,” Ahern said. “Adam Michalski has been an anchor game in and game out. He’s going to dive to block shots, he’s going to do anything to score goals.”
Oswego gets set to play Liverpool Friday night at the State Fairgrounds Coliseum, withl puck drop at 5:30 p.m., as the Buccaneers look to continue their winning streak against a weaker Warrior team. The Buccaneers then head to Auburn on Saturday to face off against the Maroons with an afternoon matinee. Oswego won 5-1 on Feb. 24 against Auburn back in the Crisafulli Ice Rink. The Bucs will not return home until Thursday, March 11 to host the Syracuse Cougars.
Ben Grieco | The Oswegonian
