Patrick Graney Earns Hat Trick as Avon Lake Storms Past North Canton Hoover 8-1

The Shoremen traveled to North Canton Hoover Wednesday night for a GCHSHL Blue North Division game. Avon Lake took care of business by beating the Vikings 8-1, while remaining undefeated in league play at 8-0. The Shoremen were led offensively by captain Patrick Graney who scored a natural hat trick.

His three goals were punctuated by two short-handed goals on the same penalty kill, with well-deserved assists going to assistant captain Tim Lubertozzi, whom is building on his career high point total with 35. Graney also assisted on a power-play goal (game-winner) by Luke Farthing and now has 38 points on the season, including 19 goals.

Tommy Kacmarcik set the tone early for Avon Lake converting a nice pass from Justin Share after a strong forecheck from freshman Brady Starck behind the North Canton net. Kacmarcik was also credited with an assist on a goal from red-hot freshman Murphy Mohar. Mohar kept his composure and scored on the power-play from his knees and is now tied with Farthing for the most freshman goals at 13.

Matt Tomaselli and sophomore Nick Ospelt scored their 5th and 10th goals respectively. Additional assists on the evening were credited to Mohar, Carter Goss, Jared Aslaksen, Brian Walsinski, and Adam Kelly.

Senier goalie Cameron Stepka was strong again, posting her 5th consecutive win. The only blemish on the night was a late goal to break the shutout. It was the only shot of 18 on the night that alluded Stepka. She is undefeated in league play at 7-0.

Avon Lake is now 19-6 overall and does not play another game until Saturday January 27th. It promises to be an entertaining affair because first place in the GCHSHL Blue North Division will be at stake. Avon Lake will also honor our senior players before the game. Ceremonies starts at 4:00pm at Rocky River Hamilton Rink and the game will follow vs Normandy High School.