Buffalo In-Line Hockey Group
Playoffs begin with instant classic

Buffalo In-Line Hockey prides itself on being the premier In-line Youth Hockey League in Western New York.

One reason is that BIHG is committed to provide an opportunity for youth in-line hockey players to compete, grow and learn in a positive, constructive and safe environment. The second reason is games like the one played this past Saturday between the Black Aces and Team X.

Team X, led by Taylor Setlock (Tonawanda), BIHG Most Valuable Player in the fall 2005 season, had to win a play-in game just to get in the playoffs after finishing last in the league during the regular season.

The Black Aces were also led by a former MVP in David Campuzano (Grand Island), who was league MVP in the winter 2006 season. The Black Aces has also won the regular season crown.

Team X started strong with two quick goals from Setlock. Doug Smith (Cheektowaga) made it 2-1 but Calvin Waley (Cheektowaga) scored for X to make it 3-1 at the end of the first period.

The Aces came back hard after a scoreless second period. John Lyons (Amherst) scored twice as the Lyons-Smith-Campuzano combination put relentless pressure on Team X. Team X netminder Aaron Lambe (Tonawanda) turned away shot after shot during the last two minutes of regulation.

The game moved into overtime and Team X moved to the championship game when Waley found Setlock on the side of the net and beat Tyler Anderson (Tonawanda).

Earlier in the day, the Red Raiders advanced to the major division championship game against Team X with a 12-7 win over the Hornets.

Roy Wasiewicz (Cheektowaga) found the net five times and Pat Smith (Amherst) had a hat trick.

In the junior division, the Blue Flames got a berth in next week's championship game against the 535's with a 3-0 shutout over the Hurricanes. Zac Carslysle (Tonawanda), PJ Anders (Clarence) and Adam Terragnoli (Amherst) scored for the Flames.

The junior division championship game will be played at 9 a.m. Saturday at the EPIC Center, 2793 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville, followed at 10 a.m. by the major division championship. An awards presentation and all-star games will follow.

Placement (not elimination) tryouts for the winter season will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the EPIC Center. Tryouts for players 13 years of age (1993) and younger will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and run until 10:20 a.m. Tryouts for players 14 years of age (1992) and older will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. and run until noon. All players must register at the admin table before hitting the rink and there is a $5 charge to tryout. Standard hockey equipment is required.

For more information, call 773-1188 or 689-4090.