It’s been tough sledding for the (0-2) Blackhawks as they try to get on a winning track in the JCC of Bayonne’s Floor Hockey Jr. Division. Facing off against the (1-0-1) Bruins, the Blackhawks needed to sure up their defense if they had any hopes for a victory. Boasting the league’s top scoring offense, the Bruins’ Megan Feeley quickly cashed in off an assist by Declan McCormick for a 1-0 lead. The lead was short lived as the fast paced Blackhawks’ offense jetted out to a 3-1 advantage as Aaliyana Cifuentes hit the “Hat Trick” mark with three goals, all assisted by her big brother Alejandro “See Ya” Cifuentes. Trailing by 2 goals, the Bruins’ team co-captain Megan Feeley rallied the troops and made it 3-2 with her second goal of the contest with Caitlin Feeley picking up the assist. With the Bruins hot on their heels, the Blackhawks once again got a surge from their “Dynamic Duo” as Alejandro Cifuentes (2 goals, 1 assist) and Aaliyana Cifuentes (1 goal, 2 assists) stormed the net combining for 3 goals to make it 6-2, Hawks.
As the clock became a factor, the Bruins got on the board once more as team co-captain Declan McCormick railed in a net jet off an assist by Kasper Hooks cutting the Hawks’ lead to 6-3. Tasting victory, the Blackhawks’ defense found their knight in shinning armor as Roman Popowski dazzled the crowd in net while Declan Good and Harsh Easwar also kept the Bruins’ offense at bay. The Blackhawks finally put the finishing touches on their first victory as two more goals by Aaliyana Cifuentes and another by Harsh Easwar sealed the Blackhawks’ 9-3 victory. A special mention must be given to the Bruins’ Arya Deshmukh who inspite of the score piled up 14 saves.
Week 2 Jr. Division
Offensive Player of the week – Aaliyana Cifuentes – Blackhawks
Defensive Player of the week – Michael McCullom – Red Wings
Teamwork/ Leadership Player of the week – Jake Peregrin – Red Wings