Busy Barrington racking up some solid victories
It's been a busy week for the Barrington Hockey Club.
Since Halloween, the Broncos have battled through four Metro Central Conference games, plus a tough contest against St. Rita -- and earned 3 victories.
The results have pushed Barrington (6-1-1) to the top of the conference standings.
This is all part of a tough schedule for the Broncos, who play 19 games before month's end.
The Broncos started things off with a 6-1 win over the CCM Tigers.
Harrison Pinkus scored twice, and Geno Melone, Brad Kopp, Matt Spica and Bryan Grabowski also netted goals.
Goalie Scott Karas made 17 saves.
In a 7-2 win over the Libertyville/Vernon Hills Icecats, Barrington battled back from a 3-2 deficit following the first period,
Spica scored twice. Grabowski, Pinkus, Melone, Geoffrey Hamilton and John Thomas also scored, and Dan Condon had 3 assists.
Karas didn't start, but he came into the game after about six minutes and shut out the Icecats the rest of the way, making 5 saves.
Barrington beat Lake Zurich 8-2, as Melone scored twice. Spica, Pinkus, Hamilton, David Nolan, Kevin Kassulat and Michael Kane also notched goals.
In goal, Mitchell Savioli made 10 saves.
"Those are games you have to win," said Barrington coach Rob Hutson. "I think in the two games over the weekend, we allowed those teams to score on us in the first shift. From a positive standpoint, the kids never gave up at any time this week."
On Monday, the Broncos lost to St. Rita 6-2 in a game where they gave up 3 late empty- net goals after Hutson pulled the goalie.
On Wednesday, Nolan and Spica scored against Prairie Ridge in a 3-2 loss.
"One of our shortcomings has been our inability to finish," Hutson said. "St. Rita's been our nemesis all year. Prairie Ridge is a club that's always been strong. They capitalized on all their opportunities."
There is a bright side to the losses and the busy schedule.
"In order to get better, you have to play better teams," Hutson said. "To be the best you have to beat the best. We knew going into the season we weren't going to win every game. Our goal is to beat those teams we're close to and get into the top five. I feel that this is realistic and we can beat those teams."
In the coming weeks, Barrington will face off against tough teams in Loyola's Thanksgiving tournament.
The Broncos' bracket includes De Smet Jesuit from St. Louis, St. Rita and Lake Forest Academy.
"You have to play them to win the tournament so you might as well play them (early)," Hutson said. "We're always looking for improvement. I'm exceptionally happy with their attitude and work ethic. I feel fortunate to be able to coach them."