The La Salle Rams high school hockey team took on the Barrington Eagles Friday night in a game that meant a lot for both teams, but in different ways. Barrington has not gotten off to the start they’d hoped, beginning the season 3-5 in league play coming into this game. Lasalle on the other hand has started 5-1-1 in league play. So while Barrington is trying to make a late season push, the Rams are trying to keep the train rolling.
The first period of this game made one thing very clear; it was going to be incredibly hard for Lasalle to get a puck past Camden Siwik. Siwik is the junior net minder for the Eagles and he showed out for his team. Lasalle won the puck control battle in the first period, showing great ability to move the puck and create scoring chances. Siwik though, was up for the challenge putting up a scoreless first.
Barrington came out in the opening period playing a grind-it-out style of hockey. They didn’t have the flashy passes, or the crazy speed. What they did have, was the ability to capitalize on the chance they were given. After they were awarded a power play due to too many men on the ice, the Eagles put one home to take a 1-0 lead. The goal was scored by Chase Watts and assisted by Henry Kelsy, and stood alone as the only goal in the first period.
The second period was the same story, as Siwik yet again reminded the Lasalle crowd that it was going to be a frustrating night. He stood on his head and there was simply nothing that the Lasalle Rams could do to put one home. Barrington got another chance in the second and did not waste it, as Chase Watts put his second goal of the game away. This time assisted by Connor Hayes and once again standing as the lone goal of the period.
After the break in between the 2nd and 3rd period, the teams rushed onto the ice for the final 15 minutes. The score was 2-0 in favor of the Eagles but make no mistake about it, the Rams had more premium chances to score throughout this game. There seemed to be a feeling among the Lasalle fan section that this thing wasn't over, they'd seen their team overcome a frustrating first 2 periods before. They were alive and loud, while the Eagles' fan section was eager to get through the final period of play and come out with a win.
The period began and Lasalle controlled play to start it. They went to work with the puck movement, and finally created a chance they could put home. Paul Boghosian put the biscuit in the oven for the Rams on an unassisted goal that cut Barrington's lead to 2-1. The shutout was gone for Siwik, but the job was not finished.
Siwik did not let the lone goal shake him. He got back up and continued his dominant night, making clutch saves down the stretch just as he had in the first 2 periods. With 2:14 remaining in the game, Barrington was penalized. Lasalle went on the power play with a prime opportunity to tie this game up. They began with 5 on 4 until Lasalle pulled their goalie with about a minute remaining. It was madness!
With the 6 on 4 advantage, Lasalle peppered Siwik. The classic "pucks on net" philosophy rang true here, as the Rams knew their window for a win was closing. Camden Siwik was having none of it, continuing to stifle the Rams offense in the final minute of play and being by far the most valuable player on the ice Friday night. The buzzer rang, and the Eagles finished off an impressive upset.
Siwik finished the game with 56 saves on 57 shots and maybe the most impressive performance from any goalie all year. Barrington improved to 4-5 in league play with the win and 7-8 overall. They've still got a chance to overcome the rough start, and last night showed they're capable of doing just that. One thing is for sure; if Camden Siwik continues his dominance from last night to finish out the year, Cinderella might pop her head out in the playoffs for Barrington. Don't count the Eagles out just yet!
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