Mamaroneck Starts Playoffs on Winning Note

The Mamaroneck Tigers started their playoff quest for their third straight sectional title with a thunderous bang.

Mamaroneck looked unstoppable offensively and could have even tacked on few more goals if it weren't for Carmel's senior goalie Marc Glaviano (45 saves), as they dominated Carmel 4-0 in yesterday's Division I first round match up at the Hommocks Ice Rink.

The Tigers had three times as many shots on goal as the Rams did -- 49 to 19 -- and stayed on the attack all game long. Senior forward Joe Naclerio scored both of his goals in the second period as the Tigers distanced themselves for good with a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the third period.

 "I'm a senior and this is obviously my last season with the team so the goal is to just keep winning," Naclerio said. "Our focus was to get as many shots on net as possible which we were solid at and we also did a good job of crashing the net."

In the net for the Tigers was sophomore goalie Alex Harwood, who recorded his first varsity playoff shutout and victory. With limited action due to the fine play of his defense and strong and aggressive offensive attack, Harwood did a great ob of staying ready and delivering when a shot actually did come his way.

"It feels get to get the shutout but more importantly we played really well and it was more of a team game so I'm happy about that," Harwood said. "When I'm not seeing a lot of shots I try to skate around the net to stay active, play tic-tac-toe in my head against myself, which I never win, and I also try not to look at the crowd as much as I can."

Statistically, the final period was the closest, as Mamaroneck only held an 11-9 advantage in shots on goal. But Carmel wasn't able to slip one past Harwood and the Mamaroneck was able to tack another one on as Scott Hagan put in the game's final goal with 7:53 remaining.

With the win, the Tigers must celebrate quickly. They are back in action on Friday at 5:30 at the Hommocks Ice Rinks against Lakeland/Panas. (If school is closed on Friday, the game will be played on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.)

"We haven't been all the way healthy in a few weeks so it was good to get everybody back," Mamaroneck coach Mike Chiapparelli said. "You have to tip your hat to their goalie, he took on 49 shots today and we had some other good chances but he made stops. We have to get right back after tomorrow night and the guys will be ready to go."