HATFIELD—Souderton found another gear when it needed it Thursday night. The Big Red built a 4-1 lead over Central Bucks West early in the second period, but with just 10 skaters available (at one point just nine) they were forced to tap into their energy reserves.

Tyler Ricci found the back of the net for the Bucks just 14 seconds into the third period and what had been a three-goal lead was just one at 5-4.

But Souderton responded to the challenge.  Colin Fairweather extended his team’s lead with 11:23 remaining and Pierce Miller sealed the verdict to give the Big Red its first win in three SHSHL starts.

“They dug down,” said Souderton coach Ryan Uchniat. “They’re getting better at going into these games with a short bench (Souderton has just 16 players listed on its varsity roster). It takes time to build that endurance up and I’m really proud of them for sticking through it.”

“A lot was asked of them and they stepped up.”

Fairweather, a senior cites the importance of setting the pace and showing the way for his younger teammates.

“I think I just have to be a good leader,” he said. “At the end of the day, help these guys out.

“It’s easy to get down on ourselves, but I’ve got to stay there, be better on defense for the guys and just lead them.”

Souderton set the tone early. Matthew Cross scored twice and Pierce Miller once to give Souderton a 3-0 advantage barely half a minute into the second period.

The Bucks (0-3, 0-3 in divisional play) kept battling however. Jonathan Salemno got West on the scoreboard 2:09 into the second frame. Fairweather answered for Souderton less than two minutes later, but Anthony DeCrosta and Ricci responded for the Bucks, and it was a 4-3 game with 11:10 still left in the middle period.

Cross completed a hat trick with 10:17 left in the period but the Bucks, with a full bench, had more spring in their step as the third period began.

Their surge was slowed by penalties however; West was whistled for five infractions in the third period.

“We played a very clean first two periods,” said Bucks coach Frank Blust. “Then, all of a sudden, we’re getting tired, we’re running around, We’re starting to reach and swing sticks that’s what happens.”

Blust was encouraged by his team’s effort.

“It’s the closest game we’ve had in a while,” he said. “The young guys we have who came up recently have played really well. I think they’re finally starting to learn the speed of the game. So, we’re starting to see that come to fruition.”

C.B. West 0 3 1—4

Souderton 2 3 2—7

First-period goals: Matthew Cross (S) from Pierce Miller, 6:56; Miller (S) from Cross, 7:51

Second-period goals: Cross (S) from Cameron Fairweather, :34; Jonathan Salemno (CBW) from Zoey Sanders 2:09; Fairweather (S) from Miller, 3:57; Anthony DeCrosta (CBW) from Evan Korolev, 4:54; Tyler Ricci (CBW) from Salemno, 5:50; Cross (S) unassisted, 6:43

Third-period goals: Ricci (CBW) from Colin Murray and Brett Schuster, :14; Fairweather (S) from Cross, 5:37; Miller (S) from Fairweather, 14:59

Shots: C.B. West 30, Souderton 44; Saves: Isaac Mays (CBW) 37, Alex Archer (S) 26

If you are interested in promoting your upcoming event product, or service, we’d love to work with you. Contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com