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2011 NYSHSHCA "News
on the Surface" |
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State hockey tourney staying at
Aud through 2014 |
By RON MOSHIER
March 11, 2011 The Observer Dispatch |
UTICA — Today, the
New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s
Ice Hockey Championships return to the Utica Memorial
Auditorium for the 24th consecutive year, and tournament
site chairman John Cunningham says the “Frozen Four”
isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
According to Cunningham, a preseason vote by section
chairmen from around the state was unanimous and Utica
will host the state hockey tournament through 2014.
“It’s locked in for three more years,” said Cunningham,
also the Section III hockey chairman, and the longtime
head coach of New Hartford High School’s Spartans, the
Division II state champions in 2009-10.
“I just think that if you have something that’s not
broke, you don’t try to fix it. The location is perfect,
and economically it’s very reasonable for a team and a
family following a team to come here for a tournament.”
Three teams that were here a year ago – Saratoga and
Suffern in Division I and Queensbury in Division II –
are back again this weekend. Two of those three reached
the championship game on Sunday, both losing to Section
III teams. Unbeaten West Genesee shut out Saratoga 3-0
in Division I and New Hartford beat Queensbury 5-2 in
Division II.
The Aud is hosting four semifinal games today, beginning
at 10 a.m. when Pelham plays Williamsville East in the
Division II opener. Unbeaten and state-ranked No. 1
Cazenovia (23-0-0) plays second-ranked Queensbury
(18-2-2) at 12:30 p.m. in the second Division II
semifinal.
Cazenovia captured its first Section III title with a
6-0 win over Clinton here two weeks ago. The Lakers
haven’t lost since a 3-2 overtime loss to New Hartford
in last year’s Section III final at the Aud.
Today’s Division I doubleheader faces off at 3:15 p.m.,
with top-ranked Williamsville North (22-0-2) meeting No.
2 Suffern (21-2-1). Saratoga (21-2-1) plays Greece
(17-7-4) at 5:45 p.m.
Admission for games both days is $8.
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