Rangers rollin' in hockey

Spencerport jumped out to a 4-1 first period lead before settling for a 4-4 tie against visiting Victor. The Rangers hockey team is off to their best start since 1999 with a 1-0-1 record.

Stephen Doud scored the first two goals of the game 2:14 apart at the beginning of the game with Rocky Gruttadauria and Bernard Gauthier assisting on the first goal and Steven Vragel on the second.

Victor then cut into the lead with a goal before Gruttadauria scored from Gauthier and Doud at 6:38 of the first period.

Four minutes later, John DiMartino made a great play to keep the puck in at the blueline. His shot left a rebound that Michael Gionta put in the net for a 4-1 lead. Luciano Petrella also assisted on the play.

Victor tallied late in the first and scored another goal in the second. At 5:17 of the third period, a clear out from their own zone deflected off the boards and snuck between the Spencerport goaltender's leg and the goal post to tie the game 4-4.

The Rangers out-shot the Blue Devils 4-1 in overtime but could not convert. Spencerport opened the season with a 4-3 victory over Gates Chili at Blue Cross Arena. It is believed to be the first time in the program's history they have beaten the Spartans.

"We've never trailed through six periods and an overtime, so I'm very happy with our start," said second year head coach Brian Fedele. "We tied Victor both times we played them last season, so today was a toss-up. We dominated most of the third period and the overtime, but just couldn't get the winner."

Spencerport is competing in the Blue Division and next plays at home (Scottsville Arena) Tuesday, December 12 against division foe Brighton.

December 3, 2006