John Rutherford pounded in his first goal of the season and fifth in his career on a rebound with just five seconds remaining in the second period to break a 3-3 tie and give Hilton a 5-3 victory over Irondequoit in high school hockey.
The Cadets opened up a 1-0 lead when Todd Higgins won an offensive zone faceoff back to the right point. Hunter Howell wristed it into the net to give Hilton a 1-0 lead at 4:37 of the first period.
Irondequoit’s Anthony Thurston scored twice within 43 seconds to stake the Eagles to a 2-1 lead, but Hilton tied the game on a power play goal as Higgins tipped a Howell shot past the goaltender at 9:10 of the first period.
Hard work late in the first got the Cadets the lead back as Brenden Howell dug the puck out from multiple legs behind the Irondequoit net and squeezed a shot inside the post and the goalie’s leg pad. Jake Coon assisted at 9:54 of the first and Hilton had a 3-2 lead after 15 minutes.
The Eagles again tied the contest six minutes into the second period on a redirection, but Rutherford pounced on the rebound from a Spencer Norris shot from the right corner to put the Cadets ahead for good.
Justin Allen added an insurance goal with his team-leading third of the season at 11:53 of the third period as his wrist shot off a pass from Jake Palumbo sailed just inside the right post at 11:53.
“This was a typical Hilton-Irondequoit game,” Cadets head coach Chris Monfiletto said. “It was fast-paced and tough and we’re lucky to come out on top.”
The game marked the second time this season the Cadets have allowed a one or two goal lead to evaporate. “I’m happy we were able to respond and find another gear, but if we’re going to be successful moving forward, we can’t continue to do that.”
Goaltender Patrick Dennehy made 22 saves on 25 shots in the win.
Hilton concludes the 2014 portion of the schedule with four away contests followed by five in a row on home ice (Lakeshore) to begin the New Year.
