March 14, 2011
Apple Core Wins Empire Title
by Staff Report/
WAYNE, N.J. – New York Apple Core finished off their wire-to-wire run atop the Empire Junior Hockey League on Sunday afternoon with a Championship Game victory over the Junior Bruins, 4-1.
The Bruins opened up the scoring on the power play at 14:46 of the first period. Mac Cook connected on the first tally of the afternoon with assists going to Jack Eichel and Matt Manzella. The Bruins took the 1-0 lead into the locker room at the end of the first period.
Apple Core would answer with a three-goal second period to take the lead and control of the game. Brett Jacobson scored once and Mike Mascaro scored twice in an eight minute span to put Apple Core ahead.
The Apple Core defense shut down the Bruins attack in the third by limiting them to only 6 shots on goal. Brian Walters stood tall and made 19 saves on the afternoon. Brett Jacobson added his second goal of the afternoon, an empty netter, at 18:58 of the third.
With the win, Apple Core has earned the No. 1 Empire Seed at Nationals. The Bruins will be the No. 2 seed. The Jersey Hitmen, New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, South Shore Kings, and Syracuse Stars will also represent the Empire Junior Hockey League in the USA Hockey Junior B National Championships in Marlboro, Mass. from March 24-29.
The back and forth nature of the Championship Game on Sunday, as well as the entirety of the Final Four over the course of the weekend, illustrated the depth of talent that is found in the Empire League.
