Wantagh/Seaford Hockey Falls in First Round Playoff Action

The Wantagh/Seaford Baymen ice hockey team will not defend its Nassau County title this season after falling to Massapequa in first round playoff action Sunday night by a score of 7-1 at Bethpage Arena. The Baymen had captured five of the last six county championships.

Joey Bochichio and Phil Armato led the Chiefs with two goals apiece. Massapequa jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 10:10 in the first period on a goal by Bochichio. Despite physical play by Wantagh, Chris Zito of the Chiefs was able to net another goal with 3:07 left in the first period.

The second period was all Massapequa. The Chiefs scored two more unanswered goals by Joey Bochichio and Phil Armato. It wasn’t until 12:48 in the third period when the Baymen netted their first goal by Greg Klarides.

After the third period goal by Klarides, Massapequa came right back with 3 more goals scored by Jake Zimmerman, Phil Armato &  Justin VonWielding bringing the score to the eventual final score of 7-1. Greg Klarides scored the lone Wantagh goal at 12:48 in the 3^rd period.

Heroes: Joey Bochichio & Phil Armato led the Massapequa tidal wave with two goals each. Bochichio also had two assists and Armato had one.

Turning Point: Although Wantagh tried to keep up the physical play and pressure, it was all Chiefs from the moment the puck was dropped.

Quotable:  “After the season-ending loss Wantagh/Seaford head coach Scott Onufrey said, "We’ve won five out of the last six years. This year we have a couple of young goaltenders. We are happy to have gotten them playoff experience.”

Massapequa head coach Tony DeMayo said after the win,“We played our game with an all around good effort by everyone. We’re looking forward to playing the next series and will prepare for Tuesday when is when we play next.” 

Bottom Line: Massapequa came in and did what they needed to do. They applied constant pressure to Wantagh’s defense, while taking care of their own business defensively to advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Team…………..1…..2…..3   ---F

Wantagh….....0…0…1….     1

Massapequa…2…2…3….      7

W: Goal – Greg Karides

      Assist – Joe Giardina

M: Goal – Joey Bochichio (2), Chris Zito (1), Phil Armato (2), Jake Zimmerman (1), Justin VonWieding

   Assist – Joey Bochichio (2), Phil Armato (1), Jake Zimmerman (1), Tyler VonWieding (1), Bobby Oldmizon (2), Nick Mangone (1).