Downingtown West rolls past Souderton in Flyers’ Cup play in

West Chester >> After navigating through a tough regular season schedule Downingtown West linked up with Souderton for a play-in game for the Flyers’ Cup at IceLine Monday night.
The 15-seed West used its speed and fire power of forward Zach Hanaway, who netted three goals including a pair of power play goals in the second period. The Whippets used its big second period to pull away from the Indians for the 5-2 win.
“It not something we’ve done a whole lot of,” Downingtown West coach Ryan Smith said of his teams scoring. “Anytime we can jump out to a lead like that and we’re able to play some of the younger guys and get some kids some more chances it’s good for us.”
Before the Whippets scored their third goal they had the look of frustrated team probably because they were outplaying Souderton, out shooting it 25-10, controlling play but only held a two-goal advantage. As Souderton committed several penalties at the end of the second West was able to open up the lead on the Indians.
“We only dressed 12 skaters tonight due to injuries and some other things,” Souderton coach Matt Montagna said. “They were uncharacteristically undisciplined tonight. Anybody who’s watched us knows that’s not really who they are.”
Perhaps another reason for the West frustration was Souderton goalie Josh Smith as the sophomore made 40 saves on 45 shots.
“You can see it in your shots, it starts to get in your head a little bit,” Smith said. “You’re up 12-4 in the first period but you’re only up one on the scoreboard. You just got to keep battling through it and keep doing what’s successful.”
It looked like the Indians were out of gas to start the third period but was able to catch a second wind as they weren’t killing off penalties. With a little gas left in the tank Tyler Johnson was able to put in a pair of third period goals assisted by Josh Reeves.
Although Souderton’s season ends with a tough loss the program has a lot to look forward to. The Indians rebounded from a winless season a year ago and next year returns all but one player.
“There was one senior that dressed for us tonight and that’s the main thing need to know,” Montagna said. “There’s a lot more to be done. We know there’s a lot more to be done. The team is all sophomores and juniors.”