SYRACUSE STARS AND 96 PICS TIE
IN CD SELECTS TOURNAMENT

The 1996 Jr. Pics had an impressive showing against some of the top AAA team s from New York State and New England this past weekend in the CD Selects Minor Tournament. It was an exciting tournament that showed a great deal of parity in both divisions as exhibited by the large amount of ties and overtime games. In addition, it showed the strength of the MBHL and its strong, competitive schedule. Coach Barton, had this to say, "You take for granted that each weekend you are going to be in battle with some great team and individual players when you play in this league and until you match up in a tournament like this one its not always easy for the kids to see how far they've come. This tournament really showed the 96 Pics development. It was a perfect way to end the regular season and prepare the team for the MBHL Playoffs."

A real highlight was the 2-2 tie with the Syracuse Stars. After coming out for two quick goals, Syracuse and the Pics played a very evenly matched game. Drew Rossman got the first goal with a 50 mile an hour wrist shot from the top of the right circle that went over the goalies left shoulder and knocked the water bottle out of the rink! For the next period and a half the Pics played smothering D in their zone and relied on Chad Savoie to make the tough stops when needed. And, he did just that. The pride of Central Mass came to play and proved his merit as one of the Elite AAA goalies in the Northeast. Said assistant coach John Robinson, "That kid is a gamer and we all know every team starts with sound goal tending." Jake Elwell was next to put his name on the scoring sheet after receiving a great pass from Cam Lamotte. Lamotte showed some real puck skill and presence when he led a Syracuse defender into the corner, only to pull a 180 and feed Elwell in the top of the slot. Jake ripped a low wrist shot passed the goalie sending the Pics faithful into frenzy.

The third period was great hockey at both ends of the ice. Alec Robinson (aka The Gazelle) went end to end and snapped a wrist shot of the cross bar. Next, the line of Ozzie "The Bull" Borrero, Mark Barton and Joe Santinello dominated play. Ozzie had two point blank opportunities after some great feeds by Barton and Santinello, but was stuffed by some great Syracuse goal tending. In addition, it was the fierce back checking by all the Pics forwards and some flawless D played by the Pics defensive core that was a real difference maker.