Potsdam Wins Section 10 Division I Title In 3OT

Potsdam celebrates along with the fans after tying the game with less than 2 minutes to play.
Photo by: Jeff Bunstone

The Potsdam Sandstoners and the Massena Red Raiders faced off against each other twice during the regular season. In the first game, back on January 22nd, Massena dominated the game and won by a score of 3-0. The second game was a different story and it was just 7 days later. Potsdam won a close one by the score of 4-3. This championship game on paper looked to be a good one and it did not disappoint. Both teams felt each other out most of the first period. They went back and forth with very few shots on goal. Then at the 13:40 mark, Cullen Baines snuck one by the goalie to give Massena a 1-0 lead. In the second and third periods Potsdam had several good chances to score but could not get the puck in the net. Potsdam out shot Massena 39 to 28 in the game. It was not looking good for Potsdam as the clock was winding down. Then, with 1:49 left in regulation Ryan Merriman fired a rocket just inside the blue line and over the shoulder of Massena goalie Nathan Lint to tie the game at 1-1. Nathan had a great game in goal and finished with 37 saves. In overtime, Potsdam and Massena had several good chances to score, but Lint and Drummatter just kept denying them the win. Finally, into the 3rd overtime period Taylor Hazen stuffed the puck in the net off a rebound and the game was over. Potsdam won the Section 10 Division I title in 3 overtime periods by the score of 2-1. Congratulations to both teams on a hard fought well played game.