Knights Bantam Minor 'AA' raise championship banner at March Classic

The Amherst Knights' Bantam Minor "AA" team beat the Southtown Stars, 5-3, to win the March Classic tournament in West Seneca. The Knights won all four games. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: first row - Michael Nowicki, Zach Thomas, Bobby Finley, Ben Ferro, Christian Curatolo, John Richmond, Matt Berke, T.J. Brodzik, Adam Hepp, Alex DiDonato, Thomas Styn and Joe Todaro; back row - Derek Aichinger, Joe Kersten, Patrick Griffin, Nick Metcalf, and Zach Lesswing.

Coach John DiDonato's Amherst Knights Bantam Minor "AA" team won the championship banner at the March Classic tournament in West Seneca.

The team completed a clean sweep, winning all four of their tournament games.

The championship game was a rematch with the host team Southtown Stars. Adam Hepp was the star of the Knights' 5-3 victory with a hat trick. Zack Thomas and Bobby Finley each added a goal.

Amherst's best played game of the weekend was in the semifinals against the Depew Saints.

Goalie Tommy Styn pitched a 2-0 shutout with the crease clearing protection by defensemen Benny Ferro and Joey Kersten. The Knights' offense came from goals scored by John Richmond and Michael Nowicki.

The Knights' second victory was a 5-2 win over league champion, Hamburg Hawks.

Goalie T. J. Brodzik manned the nets with the help from Matt Berke and Alex DiDonato killing penalties. Joe Todaro scored twice.

Christian Curatolo, Zach Lesswing and Derek Aichinger each posted a goal.

The Knights' first victory came over the Southtown Stars, 5-4.

The power play unit scored twice, each time with perfect passing initiated by Patrick Griffin. Aichinger netted two goals along with goals by Adam Hepp, Nick Metcalf and Nowicki.

The Knights will try to continue their winning ways this weekend as they enter into a second March tournament in Tonawanda.