Announcement
Cats Come Up Just Short
By Dominic Anselmo (2006/2007 Mayfield Hockey Alum Goalie #30)
A weekend full of hockey at Cleveland Heights concluded with a tough 3-2 loss to the Kenston Bombers in the championship game. It was the second time during the young season the Wildcats fell to their white-division rival.
Mayfield held a 2-1 advantage after the first period on goals by DeMario Rood and Jake Malone, but couldn't hold on.
The highlight of the tournament for the Wildcats was a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Solon Comets. Malone, once again, led the way for Mayfield with two goals, including the game-winner with 4:10 remaining in the third period. Matt Mramer had a huge game in net making 42 saves, including 22 in the third period to preserve the win.
No Mayfield-Solon game in any sport is without controversy. Late in the second period, on a Mayfield delayed offside, Solon goalie Kyle Peterson headed to the bench as if it was a delayed penalty. Jake Wolfe intercepted a pass at the blue line and fired the puck into the empty net to give the Wildcats a 3-1 lead with under a minute left in the second.
The tournament also consisted of a 5-3 win over Rocky River Club and a 3-1 loss to Medina. It was a good early test for new head coach Steve Bogas and assistant coach Danny Gilliam as their team saw a good mix of white-division, blue-division and club-level talent.
Malone led the team with five goals in the tournament. Wolfe and Christian Verde each had two goals and two assists. DeMario Rood scored two goals while Anthony Krueger led the team with three assists. Joe Cavotta added two helpers.
Captain Joe Wilson was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
The Wildcats are 2-3 heading into their first Blue North contest against the Parma Redmen.
