Claws for alarm (Bethlehem @ LaSalle, 2/24)

 When you're the top team, it seems, you can do anything you want.

The Eagles of Bethlehem High knew they couldn't blow LaSalle out of the rink in their two game series, which wrapped up today at Frear Park Arena. So they took advantage of the leniency of game officials, as very few penalties were called in today's game, one for each team, it appears, but no power play goals were scored.

Late in the 3rd period, on a rush, a LaSalle player was knocked down by a Bethlehem player, but no penalty was called. The Eagles had a meeting at the goal crease, and pushed home the game winner past Caleb Ellis, giving the defending champions a 5-4 win and a sweep of the series.

We'll have full stats tomorrow. 

Now 2-2 in league play, 2-3 overall, LaSalle will get what amounts to a lay-up this weekend vs. the winless Capital District Jets. With 5 games left overall, the Cadets may need to run the table to get a favorable seeding in the playoff tournament, which begins in 2 weeks in Glens Falls.

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A few clicks down the road at Troy High, the Flying Horses made it three in a row, beating Colonie, 54-47. Josh Rodriguez, the transfer from Green Tech, led Troy with 17 points.

Check the video:

On Friday, Troy welcomes Dave Pugilese and Averill Park. The Warriors are not having a good season, and Troy is seeking a little revenge after AP beat them last season.

As for the women, Troy won its third straight, beating Colonie, 44-35. We will have the full stats on this one tomorrow. Here's the video:

The Lady Horses (4-2) will have a tough weekend, visiting Averill Park on Friday, then turning around to return home to play Saratoga and their sophomore star, Natasha Chudy.

Next week's schedule:

Troy boys:

Monday-CBA.

Next Wednesday-@ Ballston Spa.

March 5-Shaker.

March 6-@ Bethlehem.

The women will have Monday off, and will be at the opposite sites of the boys' games March 3-6. Games vs. Guilderland & Albany are yet to be scheduled, and will likely be played the week of March 8 to close the season.