East Islip ice hockey's penalty kill comes up big in win over Kings Park/Commack
East Islip's Evan Lafata of East Islip skates past Kings Park defenders during a Suffolk boys ice hockey game on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 in Hauppauge. Credit: Kelvin Loarca
All the bounces were going Kings Park/Commack’s way in the third period. They cut a three-goal deficit to one and had a power-play opportunity with 46 seconds left.
East Islip’s penalty-kill unit stepped up when it mattered most. Defenseman Christopher Lawlor won a battle in the corner to maintain possession, and Evan Lafata cleared the puck down ice with just seconds remaining.
East Islip held on for a 5-4 victory over Kings Park/Commack at The Rinx in Hauppauge on Friday night.
“I was just willing to put my body on the line and do what I can in that situation,” Lawlor said. “Our leaders on the bench made sure to keep everyone’s head in the game and finish this one.”
Logan Barton opened the scoring for East Islip (14-5) with 9:47 left in the first period for an early lead. Just one minute later, Jordan Haines found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Kings Park/Commack (10-8-1) responded by getting pucks deep and on net. Connor Cocco’s deflection put KPC on the board with 1:43 left in the first period.
East Islip held a 3-2 lead midway through the second before turning on the jets. Tierney Recenello found Lafata, who danced past a defender and dished the puck to Jack Dolson for the finish.
“We’re filled with depth and talent,” Recenello said. “When we start clicking, we’re a dangerous team to play against. We aren’t where we want to be in the standings, but I’m excited for the playoffs.”
Haines then scored his second goal to give East Islip a 5-2 lead after two periods.
In the third, Kings Park/Commack’s Maximus Hludzinski entered the zone on a power play and fired a shot for a goal with 12:20 remaining. Two minutes later, Drew Argila’s shot trickled in to trim the deficit to one and shift momentum.
“I saw that never-say-die attitude tonight, even when down” Kings Park/Commack coach Duane Kilmer said. “Our kids followed the game plan. We dump and chased and forechecked hard. One more bounce and who knows. Going into the playoffs, this is what I want to see. I’m happy.”
However, the comeback fell short. East Islip secured the win and clinched fourth place heading into the playoffs.
“If we play the way we can, move the puck well and trust the guys on our team," East Islip coach Chris Reinhart said, "I like our chances in the playoffs.”
