RAYNHAM – Win and advance.
A spot in the 2015 Chowder Cup playoffs was on the line for the Empire State Selects and FCA Hockey Green as both entered their preliminary round finale on Saturday at the Raynham IcePlex. With matching 2-0 records, both sides needed a win to assure themselves a game on Sunday.
In the end that spot went to Empire State by virtue of their 8-4 win.
Both sides made it known early it was going to be an offensive affair, each scoring in the game’s opening 1:30. Unfortunately for FCA, Santino Benamati’s goal at 1:22 was all they gained in the first half, while Empire struck three more times to make it a 4-1 lead at the half.
That lead grew to 6-1 in the second on a pair of goals by Ryan Logar. FCA railed near mid-period with three straight to cut their deficit to 6-4, but they could never catch their foe, who also went on to score two more in closing out their 8-4 win.
Logar led the assault with an astounding five goal, seven point showing in the victory. Teammate Anthony Merante was nearly as impressive with a game-high five assists. Benamati’s three points – one goal, two assists – was tops for FCA.