Falcons, Whitehawks move up in B.I.G.H. standings

by Rich Gurbacki
Grand Island Dispatch, March 17, 2006

Week 8 in the Buffalo In-line Hockey Group winter season saw the Whitehawks leap over the Black Knights into first place in the Howe Division, while the Blue Falcons moved into a tie for the lead in the Orr Division.

Led by co-player of the week ending March 5, Luke Pronti, the Falcons defeated the Hurricanes 10-6. Grand Island’s David Campuzano had five goals and two assists for the Falcons. Zac Snyder scored three goals for the Falcons in the second consecutive game. Pat Smith and Jesse Mertle each tallied three goals for the Hurricanes.

The Red Raiders, who entered Week 8 on top in the Orr Division, fell 8-3 to a tough Vikings team. Rob Russell led the Vikings with three goals. Josh Grant had three goals for the Raiders.

The Tornadoes needed a shootout to get past the Grey Ghosts by a score of 8-6. Co-player of the Week Jason Swan led the Tornadoes with four goals, while Justin Swan picked up three assists in the victory. Roy Wasiewicz scored four goals for the Ghosts.

The Whitehawks won both of their games on March 4 to move into first place in the Howe Division. The Hawks doubled up the Black Knights 10-5 in Game 1. Joe Coyne struck four times, while Blake Schnieder tallied three goals. In Game 2, the Hawks edged the Grey Ghosts 5-4. Tino Amoia’s hat trick led the way for the Hawks. Wasiewicz scored three more goals to raise his game-day total to seven tallies.

B.I.H.G. is perhaps the premier youth in-line hockey league in Erie County. The league plays every Saturday morning at the EPIC Center on Wehrle Drive in Amherst. The group is looking to add a division for players, ages 14-17 or 15-17, for the spring league, which will start in April.

For more information, call 773-1188 or 689-4090.