Onondaga earns 16-9 win at Newtown
Cattaraugus, Seneca Nation – Onondaga Redhawks entered game one of the best of seven series away at Newtown. Game one was a chance for the reigning champions to set a tone. The Redhawks did just that starting quickly scoring 5 goals in the opening 6 minutes of play.
Anchored in goal by keeper Ross Bucktooth and his defensive minded brother, Junior Bucktooth, the defense was able to hold the host to only one offensive possession. Often due the strong checking of the Redhawk defense, many of the Newtown offensive challenges resulted in easy saves by Ross Bucktooth. But when hosts did break though the Redhawk defense, Ross was there to challenge the shooters. This was highlighted by a sliding windmill save that brought admiration from the entire crowd.
Offensively, the Redhawks attacked the loose balls. Kevin Wilkerson and Cameron Simpson led the charge in gathering up loose balls and turning defense into offense. Cameron Simpson’s continuous energy fighting for possessions led to a beautiful glove side fast break goal for Simpson.
In settled offensive situations, the Redhawks relied on the ball handling of Jerome “Hiana” Thompson, Wade Bucktooth and timeless veteran Neal Powless on the left side. While the Newtown defense focused on where Lyle Thompson was on the floor, the space created seams for Brett Bucktooth, Lee Nanticoke and Pete Benedict to create scoring opportunities on the right side. This balance and ball sharing between the men on the floor created beautiful goals for the Redhawks.
With the Redhawks holding a 10-5 lead, the host team changed net minders and momentum. Soon the home crowd was on their feet has they tallied three straight to make the score 10-8. Any hope for a host team was soon dashed as Hiana scored on 2 fast break goals just 50 seconds apart to change momentum back to the visiting Redhawks.
Onondaga hosts Newtown Saturday August 2nd and 8pm for game two at Tsha’ Honnonyendakwha.
Highlights & Interview below:
click Brett Bucktooth goal, assisted by Neal Powless
click Neal Powless goal, assisted by Wade Bucktooth
click Wade Bucktooth goal
click Jerome “Hiana” Thompson goal, unassisted
click Jerome “Hiana” Thompson goal from goalie Ross Bucktooth
click Power play goal by Neal Powless
click Jerone “Hiana” Thompson reacts to game one win