The CHIMES

Issue date: 3/5/10 Section: Sports

On Feb. 27 the hockey team finished out their season with a loss in the semifinals against SUNY Oswego. "I hope that they are a source of pride for your school," the Oswego Lakers head coach Ed Gosek said.

The Mustangs ended the season at 9-17, after making playoffs for the first time in four years. They lost to the Oswego Lakers for the third time this season 8-5. The Mustangs took an early lead and were ahead three goals by the end of the first period. "We came out on fire and had a great start," head coach Brian Grady said, "We caught ourselves and Oswego by surprise."

Defenseman Tom Longland passes the puck to a teammate during the Cortland game on Feb. 12.  Longland scored the Mustangs' last goal against Oswego during the semifinal game on Feb. 27. The Mustangs lost 8-5 to Oswego to end the season.   Photo courtesy of Steve Samoyedny of Four Seasons Photography

"Oswego is a dangerous team," Grady said. By the end of the second period the Lakers had tied the game at four goals apiece. Just a mere 27 seconds into the third period the Lakers took the lead and didn't look back. The five Morrisville goals were scored by Chris Cerbino, Geoff Matzel, Bobby Cass, Jon Cristini and Tom Longland.

The first time the Mustangs played Oswego they lost 8-1 on Nov. 21, followed by a 5-3 loss the second time they played on Feb. 13. "Nobody expected the game that we gave them," Grady said of the playoff game against Oswego.

"To make the playoffs and win in the first round is a great accomplishment, especially in their first year of eligibility," Gosek said. Grady said that his players competed and played extremely well.

"We should have won that game against a team that has been ranked number one in the country all year," Longland said, "A SUNYAC and national powerhouse."

"All of Morrisville should be excited to see Men's hockey next year, it will be a great ride that everyone should want to be a part of," Longland said.

"I wish the season started up again tomorrow," Longland said. "It's the worst feeling in the world losing in the playoffs on Saturday, but you have to learn how to lose the big games before you win them."

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