AVON, Conn. — Avon Old Farms rode five unanswered goals to capture a decisive 5-1 victory against Westminster in the first round of the NEPSAC Elite 8 Tournament.
Westminster was the first on the board Wednesday night after an Eric Elbery point shot tipped by Wade Volo (North Conway, N.H.) found a way through Avon goaltender Stephen Peck.
However, their lead did not last long: Westminster’s Daniel Venture lost control of the puck near his own blue line and Avon forward Sam Houston capitalized on a subsequent opportunity to even the game 1-1.
It turned out to be a heated battle in the first period and both teams came out of the dressing room battling to pull ahead in the second frame. It would be Northeastern commit Joe Connor’s (Amherst, N.H.) chance to get on the board shortly after the start of the second period. He found the back of the net after speeding around an opposing defenseman, which gave Avon Old Farms a 2-1 lead.
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After the second intermission, Ryan Flaherty (Milton, Mass.) was next to appear on the scoresheet. He found the puck behind the Westminster net and quickly tucked it past Matteo De Luca to give Avon a 3-1 lead.
Avon continued to pour on the offense in the third period behind two additional goals from Nick Capasso (Northford, Conn.) and Jack Kennedy (Granby, Mass.). They would go on to earn a spot in the semifinals against Belmont Hill. The game will be played on Saturday.
Here are six players who stood out from the game.
Joe Connor
Avon Old Farms, 3/11/05, FWD, left shot, 5-11/175
NCAA: Northeastern
It was another stellar performance for the Huntington Ave.-bound Avon forward, who provided his team a boost on the ice and on the scoresheet when it mattered most. Connor has been a cornerstone for the Beavers throughout the season, and Wednesday afternoon was no different. Connor displayed impressive speed and strength to power around a Westminster blue liner, which gave Avon its 2-1 lead in the second period. His solid all-around game was a difference-maker for the Beavers.
Stephen Peck
Avon Old Farms, 1/18/05, G, catches left, 6-2/170
The New York City native recorded another outstanding performance in the quarterfinal round and was a rock between the pipes. The goaltender was there for his team when it needed him most. He found the puck through traffic and made himself big in the net. It wasn’t a flashy performance, but he made some big stops look easy as the game wore on.
Quinn Pine
Westminster, 10/4/05, FWD, right, 6-0/185
The Westminster first line did an excellent job of keeping Avon's top forwards quiet through the first half of the game. A large part of it was due to Pine. He is light on his feet, quick, and strong for a sophomore. His IQ on the ice is evident in the way he plays the game. While Pine didn’t get on the scoresheet, I thought his game was notable throughout the quarterfinal contest.
Wade Volo
Westminster, 1/24/04, FWD, right, 5-9/154
What Volo lacks in size, he makes up for in experience and IQ. That was evident during the first goal-scoring play of the game when Volo tipped an Eric Elberly shot past Peck. The Westminster first line was buzzing at times early and the captain was an integral part of the action. Volo put his best foot forward in all three periods and was the only member of his team to tally a goal.
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Lefty Markonidis
Avon Old Farms, 4/29/05, FWD, left shot, 6-0/190
It is truly a pleasure to watch Markonidis fly down the ice. At times it seems he is floating effortlessly, moving faster than everyone else around him. His speed and tenacious forecheck create headaches for opponents, and his high level of effort and hockey IQ consistently puts him in the right place at the right time. He's an athletic hockey player that always finds the action at both ends of the rink.
Ryan Flaherty
Avon Old Farms, 4/25/05, FWD, right shot, 6-2/175
NCAA: Holy Cross
The transfer from BC High made his presence felt Wednesday, scoring to give Avon a back-breaking 3-1 lead in the third period. The Westminster netminder and his fellow defensemen lost track of Flaherty deep in their own end and he made them pay, burying the puck in the net before they could react.
