Niagara Wheatfield made it three straight WNY Varsity Hockey Federation Championships

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BUFFALO, N.Y.-Niagara Wheatfield made it three straight WNY Varsity Hockey Federation Championships Monday night at the First Niagara Center with a 3-2 win over Williamsville North.

The Spartans scored first when Bryce Ferrell set up Zach Kurbiel. It was 2-0 North when the Falcons Domenic Senese took the puck away from a North defenseman at the Spartans blue line and scored on the breakaway to make it 2-1.

Niagara Wheatfield tied it when James Stenzel scored in the second period. The Falcons got the game winner with just over six minutes remaining in the second period when Matt Paonessa set up Justin Durkee.

Falcons head coach RIck Wrazin told Two On Your Side's Stu Boyar "we didn't get out to a real good start. It was a couple of giveaways and I think we were nervous. After that happened in a sense it may have been good for us. We've had a tendency to get off to a slow start this year. I thought we took over the rest of the first period. Getting that first goal was huge. I think the kids realized at that point it was going to be a game. "

Niagara Wheatfield has been in the championship game five out of the last six years including four games against Williamsville North. They are 3-1 against North in those games. They beat the Spartans two years ago for the championship and Clarence last year.

Wrazin said winning a third straight championship "feels unbelievable. I'm so proud of the kids on this team and the ones before them. It was our goal coming into the season, that's what we wanted but we knew it would be a tough task. We mentioned it early in the season then we didn't mention it again. The kids were chanting three peat after the game. It feels real good."

The other winners Monday were Wiliamsville East 3-2 over Kenmore East. Jason Cohen got the game winning goal for the Flames.

St. Joe's was also a winner Monday afternoon. Head coach Rich Crozier provided this recap of the game.

The St. Joe's Federation Hockey team defeated school rival Timon 4-2 in finals of the Niagara Cup Federation Playoffs on Monday evening to win the Catholic Federation Championship in back to back seasons. The impressive win gives the Marauders a birth in the New York State Catholic Championship on Saturday evening at 6:30pm in Long Island's Nassau Coliseum vs. St. Anthony's (LI). These same two teams faced off last season where St. Joe's won 3 to 0 to capture their eighth State Championship. Leading the way Monday night for the Marauders was senior forward Nick Zenger who recorded two goals. Senior goaltender Peter Chopra was outstanding in the nets recording 31 saves.

After the a scoreless first period, the Marauders scored mid-way through the second period when Zenger gathered a rebound in front and scored on the Timon goalie five hole. Junior Anthony Pontello received a pass at the point from junior Dom Perna. Pontello's quick shot was stopped, but Zenger gather the rebound and scored t give St. Joe's the 1-0 lead. With five minutes remaining in the second period, junior Connor McKenna scored on a 2 on 1 rush. Senior James Bassett carried the puck into the zone and fed a beautiful pass to McKenna on the backdoor. McKenna made no mistake beating the goalie and giving the Marauders a 2-0 lead. The second period ended with the score 2-1 after Timon scored on the powerplay. With six minutes remaining in the third period, the Marauders would strike again, this time for the game winner. Zenger took the puck off the wall in the Timon zone and fired a quick wrist shot by the goalie for his second of the night. After Timon scored with 38 seconds remaining in the game, Dom Perna iced the game with an empty net goal giving St. Joe's the 4-2 victory and the Niagara Cup Championship.

The Marauders now will represent the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association in the New York State Catholic State Championship this Saturday night in Long Island, NY when the take on St. Anthony's