Hockey Team Scores Perfection

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Hockey Team Scores Perfection

Written by Hal Bock Friday, 08 March 2013 00:00

Merged squad takes county championship

When a fistful of seniors graduated last year, the hockey programs at East Williston and Jericho needed some help to continue playing. They found it in each other and the merged team won the Nassau County Championship with a perfect 18-0 season.

“They’re a great group of kids and they went on a great run,’’ coach Jon Turk said. “It’s been a dream season but you never want to say we’re satisfied until it’s over.’’

The 2013 Long Island Michelino Division and playoff champions Wheatley Jericho Varsity Ice Hockey.

With the National Hockey League shut down by a lockout well into January, the spotlight shifted to whatever other hockey was available. “It was great for us,’’ Turk said, “Every one became interested in high school hockey. Most of the high school hockey on Long Island is club hockey. The league is not run by the schools but the schools are supportive of the program.’’

Turk pieced together a roster split almost evenly between the two school districts, East Williston-Jericho took the Oyster Bay Cup en route to its perfect season. Goalie Graham Turk, the coach’s son, and defensemen Andrew and Adam Fox as well as forwards Mathew Bernot, and Anthony Modica are the core of the team. “Those five powered us to the type of season we had,’’ Turk said. “The Fox brothers are two amazing offensive defensemen.’’

Putting this team together was no simple matter. With youngsters from two different programs, there were chemistry issues at the start. Bernot and Turk are Wheatley seniors, The Fox brothers and Modica came from Jericho. The team struggled for a while but the turning point came when East Williston-Jericho scored three goals in five minutes of the third period to wipe out a 4-2 deficit and defeat Bellmore-Merrick 5-4. In the single elimination playoff semifinals against the same squad from Bellmore-Merrick, East Williston-Jericho had an easier time, winning 5-0.

As the merged players got more comfortable together, East Williston-Jericho swept to the title in the Nassau County High School Hockey League’s Michelino Division and the county title. They know other teams are aware of their perfect season and will be gunning for them in the Jamestown tournament.

“This team is very competitive,’’ the coach said. “You just go up and play and we’ll see what happens.’’

News

Hofstra’s Annual Dutch Festival

Friday, 24 May 2013 00:00

President Tony Da Silva and the Mineola-based Folklore groups Ranchos Juventude (Youth) and Sonhos de Portugal (Dreams of Portugal) performed before a crowd of over 350 during the “Spotlight on Portugal” segment at Hofstra University’s 30th Annual Dutch Festival. The traditional dance groups, representing the region of Portugal known as Minho, were introduced by support from a wide-array of Portuguese community leaders, including event guest-M.C. and Hofstra alumnus Gabriel Marques, New York State Senator Jack Martins, Village of Mineola Deputy-Mayor Paul Pereira as well as civic group presidents Frank Teixeira (Mineola Portuguese Center), Manuel Rodrigues (Portuguese Heritage Society), Fernanda Aguas (LI Portuguese Lions Club) and Rosa Leal (Daughters of Portugal).

War Dogs In Mineola

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Almost everyone has heard the expression; a dog is a man’s best friend. These great animals guard, protect and shower people with their affection and undivided attention. They love unconditionally in good times and in bad. The strength of the bond between man and canine was put on display at the Mineola Library on Saturday, May 11 in JoAnne Raskin’s, ‘War Dogs’ exhibit.

Sports

Chiefs Defeat Garden City

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The sixth-grade Mineola Chiefs (Maroon) defeated a very tough Garden City on the road 6-4 on May 12. With three players on injured reserved Mineola’s reinforcements played with all heart on Mother’s Day.

The Mineola defense controlled the game. Joe Carr grabbed the rock out of the air on crease slides at least three this game, Zach Koerber stopped ball on fast breaks while defensemen Evan Eberlein and Alex Marchiselli locked down the remaining attack men.

Winter Sports Wrap-Up

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The Wheatley School announced that 15 student athletes have been recognized by Section VIII-Nassau County Interscholastic Athletic Association for their performance in athletics, scholarship and leadership qualities for the Winter 2012-13 season. The Boys Indoor Track team was crowned NYS State Scholar Athlete Team Champions. The Boys Varsity Basketball team won the Nassau County Class B Championship.

Below is a list of Wheatley athletes who attained various All-County/Conference honors.