2011 Cron Hockey Tournament: Cranford Outlasts Westfield in 6-5 Thriller, Summit Also Advances

Cranford outlasted Westfield 6-5 in overtime to advance to the finals of the George Cron Tournament. Junior Danny Murphy fired a loose puck past Westfield goalie Steve Wronski to give the Coguars the thrilling 6-5 overtime win over the Blue Devils before a raucous crowd at Warinanco Park. Cranford will now face Summit in the finals, who outlasted Mendham 1-0 in their semifinal game despite being outshot 37-24.

Riley Flynn scored the only goal for the Hilltoppers, who were once again led by goalie Garrett McGowan who posted his second shutout of the tournament.

Westfield tied the game in the third period on an acrobatic goal by Sam Meyer. The Blue Devils were unable to capitalize on their new found momentum thanks to some costly penalties. Cranford too failed to capitalize on the opportunity, sending the game into sudden death overtime  In overtime, both teams had opportunities early but it was Murphy who ended it.

Cranford and Summit will meet in the finals on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. while Westfield will face Mendham in the third place game at 6 p.m. on the same day.