Coronavirus cautions shut down Massena Raiders state Final Four game

By Andy Gardner

The Massena Raiders boys hockey team won’t be heading to state semifinals as all NYSPHSAA playoffs and finals have been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The NYSPHSAA winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely. It is certainly understood that postponing the remaining winter state championships is disappointing, however the opportunity to participate in a NYSPHSAA championship event does not outweigh our responsibility and obligation to ensure students participate in a healthy and safe environment,” NYSPHSAA said in a statement. The Raiders were scheduled to play in the state final four in Buffalo. The Red Raiders had a semifinal game slated against Section 2’s Bethlehem on Saturday, March 14 at the Harbor Center in Buffalo.

The finals have not been officially canceled; however, no postponement dates have been announced since it’s not clear when the coronavirus threat will recede.

The same weekend, Massena, Salmon River and all other schools in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties announced they will close until April 20.

The Raiders defeated Monroe-Woodbury and Canton in playoff bouts leading up to their ill-fated New York State Final Four berth.

On March 8, Massena rattled off five goals in the opening 15 minutes and held on through two more stanzas to win 5-4 over Monroe-Woodbury. The game was at the Ice Time Sports Complex in Newburgh.

Nicholas Linstad scored a hat trick for Massena in the opening period. Mikey Kuhn and Garrett Engstrom also connected.

A week earlier, the Raiders beat Canton 5-1 to earn their way to the Monroe-Woodbury tilt.

The win, which took place at Potsdam’s Cheel Arena, earned Massena a Division I title.

Trey Bessette pushed Canton out an early 1-0 lead, scoring after a rebound of a shot from Daniel Mahoney 3:10 into regulation.

Nicholas Morrell put Massena on the board 1:34 later after getting a pass from Connor Terry.

Mikey Kuhn put Massena ahead with a goal of his own after rebounding a missed shot from Zach Barney at 9:09.

After a stalemate middle frame, Canton had three power plays and outshot Massena 11-6 but were still unable to wrest control of the game.

Zach Monacelli connected for the second Massena insurance goal 1:25 into the closing period. Then Caleb D’Arienzo pushed the Raiders ahead 4-1 at 9:03, followed by the final goal of the game from Patrick Barclay at 13:02.