The inaugural Junior Season of the Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League came to a dramatic close on Saturday, May 10, with a championship showdown that had fans cheering from start to finish.
The final contest was a dramatic showdown between the top-seeded Squirrels and the second-place Hawks, two teams that had spent the season building toward this very moment. With players aged 13 to 16 giving it their all, the tightly contested matchup delivered nonstop excitement and a memorable finish that left fans buzzing.
The game opened with intensity as the Hawks jumped out to an early lead thanks to standout forward Mason Monahan. Using his blistering speed and sharp instincts, Monahan sliced through defenders and slipped the puck past the Squirrels’ goaltender James O’Donnell to notch the game’s first goal. The early strike energized the Hawks and their bench, but the Squirrels were quick to answer.
Paulie Pogozelski found the back of the net not once, but twice in quick succession. His sniping accuracy caught the Hawks off guard and flipped the momentum.
Not long after, Freddy Faulkner added a goal of his own, capping a dominant stretch that saw the Squirrels take a 3-1 lead. Faulkner, who would finish the game with three assists in addition to his goal, was instrumental in orchestrating the Squirrels’ offensive attack.
Nazariy Hirnyak, another key contributor for the Squirrels, then tallied a goal to make it 4-1, giving the top seed a commanding advantage. But the Hawks, led by coaches Joey Pagano and Donato Campanella, refused to back down. Demonstrating the resilience that had carried them throughout the season, the Hawks regrouped and launched a spirited comeback.
League scoring leader Conor Greany sparked the charge, finding the net with a determined effort. He later assisted teammate Joseph “Cheech” Chierichella on another goal, narrowing the Squirrels’ lead to just one at 4-3. The crowd was on edge, sensing a potential comeback brewing. But just when the momentum seemed to shift, the Squirrels dug deep.
Coach Mike Concepcion kept his players focused, and it paid off. With time winding down, Hirnyak struck again, netting his second goal of the game on a play set up by Faulkner. The goal gave the Squirrels a bit of breathing room at 5-3.
The Hawks continued to fight, and Greany delivered once more with a one-timer off a crisp pass from Monahan, bringing the score to 5-4. Despite the late pressure, the Squirrels held on to secure the win and claim the league’s first-ever Juniors Championship.
In a post-game address, Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League President Paul Pogozelski praised the young athletes and the community that supported them.
“Our coaches on each team make sure to give their best for these junior players and it’s reciprocated by the players’ dedication to the sport,” Pogozelski said. “Roller hockey lives on in their hearts and minds. They will make friendships here that will last a lifetime and I’m proud of everyone that steps onto the rink.”
Pogozelski also took time to recognize the goaltenders, James O’Donnell and Artur Prosinski, for their standout performances. Under early-season heat and clad in heavy gear, both goalies delivered clutch saves that helped make the game such a thrilling affair.
The league also expressed its appreciation to all players, coaches, parents, and volunteers who made the season a success. Special thanks were extended to administrators Pete Mastrandea, Gary Posylkin, Craig Tallini, and Thomas and Peter Pieniadz for their contributions behind the scenes.
Final standings and team lineups:
Champions – Squirrels (Coach Mike Concepcion):
Gary O’Sullivan, Nazariy Hirnyak, Freddy Faulkner, Quinn Tashiro, Daniel Gonzalez, Gino Campo, and goalie James O’Donnell.
Runner-Up – Hawks (Coaches Joey Pagano and Donato Campanella):
Joseph Scotti, Mason Monahan, Conor Greany, Anthony Corso, Joey “Cheech” Chierichella, Joaquin Lozano, Mike Rizzo, and Artur Prosinski.
Third Place – Dolphins (Coaches Paul and Giedre Pogozelski):
Simon Steskal, Paulie Pogozelski, Lukas Hamrak, Patrick Fegan, Jacob Palese, Valeryn Celis, Oskar Gogolewski, and goalie Juan Jose Munoz.
With its first season in the books and the championship trophy awarded, the Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League is already looking ahead to building on this foundation. The future looks bright for these young athletes and the community that supports them, proving that roller hockey has found a new home in Middle Village.
