Coyotes win state championship

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 3, 2008

The Niagara County Coyotes Girls 19 and Under hockey team capped off a successful season March 7-9 by capturing the NYSAHA 2008 Girls Tier II 19 and Under State Championship in Geneva. The Coyotes out scored their opponents 22-7 for the weekend, starting with an 8-0 victory over the host Geneva. The second game the girls slipped with a 4-3 loss to Mid-Hudson but came back to defeat the Wheatfield Blades, 5-2.

In the semifinal crossover game the Coyotes defeated West Seneca 3-1, which placed them in the finals against Mohawk Valley, who they defeated in a 3-0 shutout.

Goaltender Ashley Schneegold recorded two shutouts by saving 122 of 129 shots for a .946 save percentage and a 1.4 goals against average.

Leading the Coyotes attack was Tamera Stewart, who recorded 9 goals and 2 assists, while Christine Williams contributed 8 goals and 6 assists for the weekend.

Katie Fish had 3 goals and 2 assists, Brittany Dibble provided a goal and an assist, and Jordan Key had a goal for the weekend. Sam Veihdeffer tallied 6 assists, Nora Larson had 4 assists, and Brianna Carrier and Kim Lenz both had a pair of assists.

In other news, the Coyotes are already preparing for next season with upcoming tryouts to be held at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion. Times are:

•Thursday, April 10, age 14 and under and 16 and under – from 5:45 to 7:05 p.m. The age 19 and under and the women’s B squad tryouts will be held from 8:45 to 10:05 p.m.

•Friday, April 11, age 14 and under and 16 and under – from 6 to 7:20 p.m. The age 19 and under and the women’s B squad tryouts take place from 7:30 to 8:50 p.m.

For further information, call Chris Rechin at 731-2555.