Back-to-Back Section VI Class AA Champions in Boys Hockey

On Monday, February 27th, the Orchard Park Quakers defeated the Clarence Red Devils 4-1 to seal their Section VI title at the KeyBank Center. Coming off a commendable season record of 16-5-2, the Quakers were ready to compete in the playoffs to defend their sectional title. However, the road to success would prove difficult as they faced their sectional opponent from 2022, Williamsville North, in the first playoff round. Despite being a young team due to many seniors graduating from the previous year, the team’s talent and hard work ethic carried them to a 4-0 win over Williamsville North. 

Advancing to the championship round, the Quakers knew that Clarence would not give up without a fight. Starting off strong, the Quakers scored with a goal from Jonah Reashor, assisted by Gage Gosney with 12:04 remaining in the first period. With 1:37 left on the clock, the Red Devils answered back with a tying goal, making the score 1-1. Due to tough defensive efforts, both teams found it challenging to score any goals in the second period, leaving the score tied. Going into the third period, both teams knew they had to switch up their game plans in order to achieve any success on the offensive end. With three big goals from Presley Schiltz, Logan Ward and Carter Zakrzewski, all scored within 6:98 minutes into the third period, assists credited to Frank Neeson (2) and Logan Ward (1), the OP Quakers strengthened their chance of obtaining victory. Orchard Park was able to hold onto their impressive lead and ended the game with a 4-1 win, thereby declaring themselves reigning sectional champions.