Titans reign over Liberty

Bobby Reyes

Times Staff Writer

 

CBHS Hockey — The Crested Butte High School (CBHS) hockey team stated their intentions early in Wednesday’s playoff game against Liberty. CBHS (12-5-1) came out of the locker room with an unmatched intensity. The Titans bombarded the Lancers (9-10-1) with shots through the entire first period. 

Lucas Solanik put CBHS on the board first 2:01 into the game, and then the Titans picked up the tempo. Sam Stepanek scored three minutes after Solanik, and was followed by Graham Barrett just 50 seconds later. 

Before the Lancers could catch their breath Jordan Nichols and Patrick Seifert added two more goals for CBHS to give the Titans a 5-0 lead after the first period. CBHS had tallied 19 shots and held the Lancers to three. 

The second period was a game of defense, as the Titans pumped the breaks on their explosive offense. Liberty took advantage of the more laid back approach and put one goal in the net to cut CBHS’ lead to 5-1. Both teams tallied just seven shots on goal in the second period.

The game began to heat up on the ice through the third period as Liberty saw their season slipping away. The Lancers scored on a power play to bring the game within three, but that would be the last time they’d find the back of the net. Barrett picked up his second goal of the night 12:21 into the game. Josh Wallin scored a couple of minutes later and Michael Hensley added insult to injury, scoring in the final five seconds of the game to give CBHS a dominating 8-2 victory. The Titans out-shot Liberty 21-4 in the third period. Cameron Curtiss endured 14 shots, stopping 12. 

The Titans will head to Fort Collins to play Valor Christian Friday, Feb. 24 at 11 a.m. for the second round of the playoffs.

(Bobby Reyes can be reached at 970.641.1414 or bobbyreyes@gunnisontimes.com)

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