William Smith hockey advanced to the SUNYAC semifinals with a 3-2 overtime victory over SUNY Canton in a conference first-round matchup on Wednesday afternoon at The Cooler.
Senior captain Kelly Howe scored the game-winning goal 56 seconds into overtime, finishing a breakaway opportunity after collecting a breakout pass from Tara Valas to send the Herons into the next round.
William Smith improved to 12-14-0 overall, while Canton concluded its season with a 13-9-4 record.
First-year Finley Crosby led the Herons with a goal and an assist, and sophomore Bella Hacker added a goal, including the game-tying score with 19 seconds remaining in regulation. Following an offensive-zone faceoff, Hacker converted a rebound opportunity to force overtime after Canton had taken a late third-period lead.
Canton opened the scoring midway through the first period before Crosby tied the game early in the second with a rebound goal. The Roos regained the advantage early in the third period, setting up the dramatic finish late in regulation.
Junior goaltender Mia Iwicki made 20 saves in just over 59 minutes for William Smith, while Canton’s Molly Lenihan stopped 28 shots. Canton held a 30-22 edge in shots on goal, and William Smith successfully killed all penalties while finishing 0-for-3 on the power play.
William Smith returns to action Saturday, February 28, facing Plattsburgh in a SUNYAC semifinal matchup.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.