Syosset, Manhasset boys ice hockey teams advance in Nassau high school playoffs
Aidan Cleary of Syosset/Jericho celebrates his second goal of the first period against Half Hollow Hills on Tuesday. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Best way to celebrate a playoff win? Nothing beats ice cream. Syosset’s Aidan Cleary had it planted in his head.
Cleary scored two goals in the first period, the second coming on an incredible one-handed finish, as No. 4 Syosset/Jericho defeated No. 5 Half Hollow Hills, 4-0, in the Nassau quarterfinals at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center.
“In the back of my mind I was like, we get ice cream if we win, so I had to score,” Cleary said with a laugh. “They were a good team, but we brought the energy and intensity today and got the win.”
After Cleary’s two goals, Half Hollow Hills’ dynamic offense that averaged nearly seven goals per game, began applying pressure.
Hills fired shots, but Syosset/Jericho goalie Nicholas Summa was steady, making 25 saves to record the shutout.
“Big shoutout to my team. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Summa said. “Great defense in front of me. They were blocking shots and clearing rebounds. And a great job by our offense tonight. We’re excited to get back to work tomorrow.”
It marked the only game all season in which Half Hollow Hills was shut out, as Syosset/Jericho delivered a complete defensive performance.
“This was a tough one,” Syosset/Jericho coach Jeff Sumcizk said. “We hadn’t seen Hills in months. They’re really talented, but the boys bought in and followed the gameplan. It’s been an up-and-down year, but we came to play tonight. It’s a new season, and we’re excited for Friday.”
Syosset/Jericho’s partnership with 16 Handles rewards the team with ice cream after wins — and it looks like they’ll be enjoying that again.
Manhasset/Great Neck/Port Washington will join Syosset/Jericho in the Nassau semifinals. Manhasset had struggled with slow starts during the regular season, but flipped the script in its playoff opener.
No. 3 Manhasset dominated from start to finish in a 5-0 win over No. 6 Valley Stream/Sewanhaka/Lynbrook in the Nassau quarterfinals at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center.
“Sometimes starting late is our problem,” Manhasset coach William Sylvia said. “But from the puck drop tonight, we were very happy with the effort and intensity our guys brought.”
Jaden Wang opened the scoring midway through the first period with a blistering shot that went top shelf. Peter Weston added a goal midway through the second to make it 2-0.
Manhasset held that lead late in the second period before Theo Baltic crashed the net and scored on a rebound with 17.7 seconds left, extending the advantage to 3-0. Jake Sylvia then added an insurance goal in the third period.
“We needed a goal to keep the momentum going,” Baltic said. “I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the team, and we’re looking to bring this momentum into Friday.”
Valley Stream/Sewanhaka/Lynbrook generated chances, but Dylan Ruzz was steady in net, finishing with 17 saves for the shutout.
“We’re very lucky to have high-level goalies,” Sylvia said. “It gives our team confidence, and that was huge tonight.”
