Rochester United withstands Birmingham’s late fury
BY DAVE BOIKE
Courtesy Story
ROCHESTER — Ian Mercer stood up to the challenge when it counted most.
The senior goaltender from Rochester United halted Birmingham United’s third-period charge, as Rochester held on Wednesday for a 2-1 OAA Red Division win over the guests at The Onyx.
Mercer faced multiple shots late in the third period but held Birmingham at bay. Mercer stopped 41-of-42 shots to preserve the win.
Rochester United coach Dave Underdale was pleased with his team’s third-period play
“Our team played solid first and third periods, we were outplayed in the second losing several 1-on-1 battles,” said Underdale. “I called a timeout midway through the second period to settle our team down, but it wasn’t until the third period that we regained our aggressiveness. It has been a challenge all season long for us to win the individual battles for the puck that is so important in hockey. Overall, I am pleased how we performed against a quality opponent like Birmingham.”
Rochester took an early lead over Birmingham with a goal by Michael Potoniec from Tim Minotas at 5:15 of the first period. Despite being outshot 16-7 by Birmingham, Rochester was able to end the period with a 1-0 lead.
In the second period, Rochester scored its second goal by Eric Lonczynski from Tony Nassar at 6:56, which proved to be the game-winning goal.
At 3:37 of the second period, Birmingham scored on a 2-1 break led by Kevin Wilberding, a stand out all night. Wilberding fed a pretty saucer pass over to James Bertrand, who made no mistake for a goal into the open side of the net.
For the game, Birmingham out
UP ICE: Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
shot Rochester 41-20. Matt Trogu made 18 saves for Birmingham.
Category: Prep Wraps, Rochester, Rochester Adams
