Kreza’s game-winner lifts Athens past Troy in overtime thriller
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
BIRMINGHAM — Even a team that has its fair share of struggles in the regular season can have new life in the postseason.
It has worked out that way for Troy Athens’ boys hockey team,\
After recording just two wins in the regular season, the Red Hawks, depleted by graduation and defections off last year’s league championship team, were able to win their Division 1 pre-regional Monday night at the Birmingham Ice Arena — and it came in dramatic style.
Dan Kreza scored two minutes into the second overtime period to lift Athens to a thrilling 1-0 victory over arch-rival Troy. Doug Marvin drew the assist on the power play goal.
The Red Hawks, just 3-20-2 on the season, move onto the regional semifinals, where they will face the inner of Berkley and Birmingham United at 7 p.m. Wednesday, also at Birmingham Ice Arena.
The win came two days after the Red Hawks defeated Birmingham United, the first time Athens had scored that many goals in a game.
“I think we are starting to play some hockey,” admitted Athens coach Joe Barone, whose team had won back-to-back conference titles and reached the regional finals three years ago but dipped into a major rebuilding campaign this season. “We scored five goals the other night, and that was the most goals we’ve scored (in one single game) all season. Today, we come in and played some good defensive hockey and win again. That’s what we call a winning streak. We haven’t been able to do that all season (win two in a row).”
Athens picked up a brilliant performance between the pipes from Jamie Cattran, who finished with 26 saves for his first shutout of the season. Cattran was tested in the third period and overtime, and even saw Troy misfire on a rare penalty shot in overtime.
“Everyone has a shot in the postseason,” reminded Barone. “You never know what might happen.”
Troy finished the season 2-15-1.
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Category: High School, Prep Wraps, Troy, Troy Athens
