THIRD-PERIOD RALLY LIFTS CHURCHVILLE-CHILI OVER CANANDAIGUA
Dec 9, 2021Trailing 2-1 entering the third period, the Churchville-Chili Saints scored twice in less than two minutes and held on to come away with a 3-2 win over the Braves of Canandaigua Academy Tuesday at Scottsville Ice Arena.
Sophomore forward Shane Girolamo factored in on all three goals for Churchville, scoring the first two goals for the Saints before setting up the eventual game-winner by team captain Tyler Eberhart midway through the third period. Eberhart also finished with a multi-point night after earning the primary assist on Girolamo’s first goal of the night and Max McKay also tallied two assists. Liam Letters made 33 saves in the win.
Griffin Harvieux and Dominick Spychalski each scored for the Braves while Charlie Fuller turned aside 28 of the 31 shots he faced.
Despite Churchville-Chili controlling the pace of the game early on, it was Canandaigua that would score first as Harvieux was on the receiving end of a pass from Spychalski to give the Braves a 1-0 lead at the 8:40 mark of the opening period.
Girolamo answered for the Saints just over four minutes later with his first of two goals on the night as the teams entered the break tied at 1-1.
Spychalski restored Canandaigua’s lead with an unassisted tally 6:40 into the second period and the Braves were able to keep the Saints silent for the remainder of the frame.
Looking for the equalizer to begin the third, Girolamo delivered again for Churchville-Chili with his second of the game 7:27 into the final frame and helped give the Saints their first lead of the night just minutes later. Girolamo won a face-off back to McKay, who then set-up Eberhart for the game-winner with 5:48 remaining in regulation.
The Saints’ defense, led by Letters, were able to withstand the late push by Braves and hold on for their fourth win in five games to begin the season.
Churchville-Chili returns to action on Thursday when they visit Geneseo/Avon/Livonia while Canandaigua hosts Pittsford on Friday.