By: BHS Sports Staff
February 13, 2025
On Monday, the hockey team hosted their first round playoff contest against the Cleveland Heights Tigers. The Hurricanes came in as the #16 seed, while the Tigers came in as the #17 seed. In the regular season, Brooklyn won one game and tied the other three against the Tigers. This game most-definitely would go down to the wire, and the plot did not disappoint.
Things were pretty even early on as both teams had multiple scoring opportunities. However, it would be the Tigers that struck first, three minutes in to grab an early 1-0 lead. The Hurricanes could not seem to get any shots into the goal, but they played strong defense for the remainder of the period. Cleveland Heights led 1-0 after one.
Early in the second period, the Hurricanes came out firing, and sure enough, they would tie the game with a back-corner goal from junior Rocco Spiewacki with a beautiful drop pass from senior Jeff Helmick.
With the score even at one goal apiece and both teams having an equal amount of chances, this game was destined for a dogfight. Midway through the second, the Tigers scored again to regain the lead. A few minutes later, the Hurricanes had a chance on a power-play but could not convert. The Tigers would head into the locker room with a 2-1 lead with one final period to go in a win-or-go-home playoff battle.
The Hurricanes needed another answer with 15 minutes left, but the Tigers would strike again two minutes into the third period to make things more difficult with the Hurricanes’ season in the balance. However, the Hurricanes responded quickly and answered right back with a goal from senior Phillip Banaszak to make it a 3-2 game.
With countless opportunities from both teams and time winding down, the Hurricanes desperately needed a goal to send this one into overtime. The Tigers, though, had other plans, as they would get a breakaway goal to extend their lead to 4-2.
With one minute to go, Brooklyn decided to pull senior goalie Nick Supinski to try and cap off the hail mary. The Hurricanes tacked on a third goal from senior Jadyn DeLuca, his first high school career goal, with under 30 seconds left. Unfortunately, they could not score the fourth and game-tying goal as their memorable season came to an end.
Final Score: Cleveland Heights 4, Brooklyn 3.
This senior-laden team left everything on the ice and should be proud of how they left their Brooklyn hockey legacy.
Great season, boys!
In other Winter sports, the boys basketball team (3-17) hosts their senior night tomorrow against the Max S. Hayes Lakers. Tip-off is at 7:00 with senior night activities starting around 6:45.
Go Canes!
{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 