25 February 2012

Boys Hockey: North ousts Tigers from section

by Nate Rowan

Jack Buss scored final goal of the season
(photo by Jim Lindquist)

Lakeville North scored four second period goals and skated away from Farmington, 8-2, Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the section 1AA tournament at Ames Arena.

The Tigers (7-17-2) lost their final five games of the year, including Thursday’s game and only had 14 players in uniform for the opening face-off.

“We competed hard,” head coach Keith Revels said. “Had a couple non-hockey related incidents that shortened our roster even more than it was.”

Farmington got on the board first with a power play goal from senior Sean Johnson at 7:52 of the opening period. Jack Buss and Jordan Lugowski both earned assists. The Panthers would answer with two goals within 2:02 midway through the period to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Connor Hyden netted two goals in a four-goal outburst in the second period by North as the Panthers took a commanding 6-1 lead to the final period.

Playing in his final game in a Tiger sweater, Jack Buss scored the final goal of Farmington’s season at 4:52 of the third. Dallas Tucker and Christopher Fitzgibbons were credited with assists. Two North power play goals capped the scoring.

The loss ends the Tigers’ season and the program says goodbye to five seniors, including goaltender Victor Simones who made 50 saves in his final game. At the beginning of the season, 11 seniors were listed on the roster.

“We’ve certainly had our share of adversity for one season.” Revels said. “The seniors that made it through the year played hard in their final outing.”

“Pretty good club they have over there (North) that competes well with a tough conference schedule. One would expect an all Lakeville final once again.”