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Twinsburg ice hockey heating up as playoffs near

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February 4, 2010

by Steve Batko

Correspondent

Some huge wins, a lot of hockey, and some recognition comprised a busy stretch for the Twinsburg High ice hockey squad.

Twinsburg moved to 8-10 overall with a physical 8-5 win over Brooklyn at Garfield's Kostel Arena on Jan. 31.

For the first time in two years, Twinsburg won back-to-back games in as many nights. Bruce Hazelden's squad also collected a 7-3 victory the day before over Euclid on the road.

"It was a big weekend for Twinsburg hockey, as we beat two teams above us in the standings," said Hazelden.

"I think the Brooklyn game was one that we wanted bad," said Hazelden, whose squad lost 11-1 to Lakewood on Jan. 28.

Hazelden was quick to point out that Brooklyn was on a seven-game winning streak. Twinsburg snapped the run and also handed the Hurricanes their only previous loss 7-6 on Dec. 3.

"During our pre-game meeting against Brooklyn, we stressed the importance of a quick start and playing physical. We also dedicated the game to brother of Jesse Black, Michael Black, who is recovering from a very serious accident," said Hazelden.

"The team executed the game plan as they came out hitting, and this slowed Brooklyn down."

Michael Hazelden scored two minutes into the game, assisted by freshman sensation Brandon Best. Hazelden, a junior, scored two more unassisted goals for a 3-0 lead.

Just 30 seconds after the Canes' subsequent time out, Hazelden picked up the puck deep in the Tiger's own zone, and defensemen Mike Behr broke out of our zone, and then Hazelden hit Behr with a 90-foot pass. Behr took the puck deep into the Brooklyn zone, beat one defensemen and then the goalie for a 4-0 count.

Brooklyn sliced into the team 4-2 in the second period, but the Tigers responded with a 4-3 edge in the third period.

For the second game in a row, Hazelden finished with a whopping six goals. He added an assist for seven points.

Best added a goal and two assists for the Tigers while Behr had the other tally. Assists went to Luke Stewart, Anthony Morelli, and John Safier.

Jake Damcott played well in the nets as he faced 19 shots and saved 14 as Twinsburg moved up to fifth place in the Blue Central Division of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League.

"As the season is winding down it is great to see how this team has progressed, and how everyone has contributed," said the coach.

In the win at Euclid, Hazelden scored the Tigers first six goals. The Tigers led 4-2 after the first period and 6-2 after two sessions.

The third period saw Safier (a junior) score with a nice move down in front of the net. Safier froze the goalie and moved left to put the puck in the net. Juniors Danny Schrembeck and Black assisted on the play.

It was a good offensive display, with Hazelden and Schrembeck having great games. Schrembeck was a playmaker with four assists.

"He (Shrembeck) seemed to be in on every play he has been working hard in practice and he moved the puck well tonight," said Hazelden, after the win.

"Brandon Best continues to play strong defensively, and also contributing with two helpers (assists)."

Also assisting on goals were Stewart, Behr, Morelli, and Black. Twinsburg posted 44 shots on goal to Euclid's 39 as Damcott excelled as the goalie. He had 36 saves.

"Jake had a strong night in goal," said the mentor. "The team was pumped for this game. We approached this weekend with a goal of moving up in the standings, and did just that."

Twinsburg wrap up the regular season on Feb. 6, when the locals meet red-hot CVCA at Kent at 12:45 p.m.

Lakewood and CVCA lead the Blue Central at 10-1, while Brooklyn and Euclid are at 5-6. Twinsburg is 4-6.

The Tigers won't be eligible for the Feb. 7 Baron Cup Tournament, featuring the top teams in three divisions at the John M. Coyne Recreation Center in Brooklyn. The Blue Central will have a champion compete in the annual event.

The top four teams from the Red North Division and the top two from the Red East and Red South make up eight-team Baron Cup I. The top three teams from both the White East and White West are in the six-team Baron Cup II.

The top four clubs from the Blue North, top three from the Blue South and the top Blue Central club will be in the eight-team Baron Cup III. All three finals are Feb. 14 at the Coyne Center.

The three-week state district tournaments at Kent State and at Brooklyn start on Feb. 15 as Twinsburg is part of the Kent State 24-team tourney.

On Feb. 18, the Twinsburg Dairy Queen will have a portion of its sales from 5 to 8 p.m. donated to the ice hockey program.

E-mail: stowsports@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113




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