GLENVIEW—York’s junior varsity hockey squad earned a victory over Glenbrook North Spartans on Sunday September 21st. York’s power play staked the team to an early lead and the Duke’s defensive play held off the home team’s efforts to make up the difference.

Early in the first period a Spartans player took a roughing penalty against York. Rather than retaliating with thuggery of their own, the Dukes showed restraint and made GBN pay where it hurts the most—on the scoreboard. With less than half of the penalty time expired, freshman Kyle Spiller gained control of the puck and dished it to sophomore Anthony Trankina who skated the puck deep in the offensive zone and fed the puck to the front of the net.  Fellow sophomore Scott Blair was in position to knock home the goal for the early lead.

Three minutes later Glenbrook North took a misconduct penalty as the result of a very dangerous check from behind hit. Again, York made the home team pay. This time it was Anders Caster, sophomore, who started the action when he passed the puck to Zach Johnson. The junior carried the puck deep and circled the Spartans zone until he found an opening and launched a shot on net that the GBN goalie was able to deflect. Sophomore Tom Albin crashed the net and put back the rebound for the second power play goal of the game.

Just before the end of the first period freshman Matt Shephard scored a goal on an assist by Johnson that energized York, and its crowd, as the visitors took a 3-0 lead into the second frame.

York played a defensive minded game and limited the Spartans scoring opportunities.  he Dukes were led by strong two-way play from freshman forwards Jake McCreadie, Ethan Horne and sophomore Matt Davis.

Goalie Nolan Knupp, freshman, saved 17 of 18 GBN shots to resister the victory.  

York Hockey Club will open league play against Hinsdale Central on Saturday, September 27th at All-Seasons Ice Arena.