Cattaraugus, Seneca Nation- Can-Am playoffs are full of history and thrilling games. Sunday’s game three ant Newtown filled up to that billing of one of those special games with the Redhawks prevailing 13-12 in overtime.
The top seed Golden Eagles after dropping the first two games, did not want to lose another on their home floor. The home team came out aggressive on defense and the loose balls on their offense found a spark that they were missing the first two games of the series. The Redhawks found themselves down 4-0 before Jerome “Hiana” Thompson was able to tally the team’s first score before the end of period.
The second period saw the Redhawks begin to chip away at the Newtown lead. Slowly Onondaga began to crawl back into the game and found themselves down 6-4 at the end of the second period.
The third period saw the Redhawks find an extra gear and began winning the loose balls and gaining extra possessions. Then righty sharp shooter Brett Bucktooth tallied two beautiful goals in a row to tie the game at 8. Both teams sensing the importance of the game found extra energy as a see-saw battle of one goal leads were quickly wiped away. Tied at 10, Kevin “Junior” Bucktooth scooped up another loose ball on the defensive end and raced down and beat the Newtown net minder to put the Redhawks up 12-11. That appeared to be the game winner until controversy. With less than 2 minutes on the clock, the home team, disparate for the win began pressing on the offensive end. A Newtown shooter sent an outside blast which ringed off the pipe and into back the jersey of goal tender Ross Bucktooth. The closest referee did not signal a goal, but then deferred to the second official, who signaled goal!
The Redhawks had to regroup quickly after the controversial call for ten minutes overtime. The Redhawks came out strong. In their second possession, Lyle Thompson attracted the attention of the Newtown defenders to find his brother Hiana open on the opposite side for the go ahead goal. The Redhawk defense then stiffened as they held onto the 1 goal lead for the remaining 8 minutes of play and allowed Onondaga to be one win away from a second consecutive Can-Am championship and a berth in the President’s Cup.
Game 4 between the Redhawks and Newtown is set for Saturday, August 9th at 7pm. Come to see if the Redhawks can win the championship on their home floor at Tsha’Honnonyendakwha. Call the arena at 315-498-6813 for ticket pricing.