Gators lose crucial division showdown

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BARRINGTON – The Crystal Lake South hockey team came into Wednesday night’s Metro Central American Division showdown against second-place Barrington with something to prove.

In the end, the Gators
(28-12-4 overall, 18-2-0 American) fell short of their expectations with a 7-2 loss to the Broncos, and in all likelihood, lost a chance to claim a Metro Central American championship.

“I honestly think we have more talent than [Barrington] does, but over the years, it’s been tough going against them,” senior forward Mark Greenberg said. “It’s definitely been a mental block we haven’t been able to overcome.

“They’re like the [Detroit] Red Wings to the Blackhawks. In our minds, we feel like we can beat them, but until we do, we’re going to have doubt.”

Barrington (16-0-1 American) has handed the Gators both of its losses in division play, and the Broncos seemingly have the inside track to a division title. The Gators have three games left, Barrington has five.

“We wanted to beat them really bad, but we didn’t come out like it in the first period,” sophomore forward Joey Bower said. “With so much on the line, it’s hard to say why we didn’t come out with more intensity and focus.

“It’s disappointing knowing we had a chance to do something special tonight.”

Barrington scored three goals in the first period, including its first goal by senior forward Alex Kinzel with only 1:17 off the clock. The Broncos scored again at the 6:12 mark, which chased goalie Eric Bartos from the net.

“Our goaltenders weren’t ready,” South coach Rich Perillo said. “They weren’t sharp and it hurt us right away.”

South came out with more intensity in the second period, with two scores by Bower in the first four minutes. Greenberg assisted both goals.

Barrington scored late in the second period to increase its lead to 4-2 entering the third period.

Barrington scored 13 seconds into the third, then had one of its own erased after referees determined Gators forward Eric Purcell kicked the puck into the goal.

Kinzel and senior forward Austin Bostock each had hat tricks for Barrington.

“They just hustled out there and played a complete team game,” Broncos coach Rob Hutson said of his team’s effort. “They certainly rose to the occasion tonight and showed [South] why they are the better team.”