Wolf Pac and Foxes battle to a draw

After Mahopac (1-0-1) defeated White Plains to open its season, the Wolf Pac fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against Fox Lane in game two of the White Plains Hockey Tournament at Ebersole Rink on Nov. 28.

Fox Lane led 2-1 from 12:19 in the second period until 4:35 in the third, before Ronan Beany tied it up late. Beany—who was named Mahopac’s player of the match—was a major factor on offense for the Wolf Pac, scoring both of his team’s goals.

“I expect a lot from him,” said Mahopac coach Tim Donaghy. “He was a big contributor on last year's squad. I know the talent and the skills are there, him becoming a leader on the team is important for our season.”

For Fox Lane, Teddy Kao and Hank Hearon each popped one in the back of the net. In net, Dylan Motllal made 28 saves and was named Fox Lane’s player of the match, while Matt Conelli made 23 for the Wolf Pac.

Fox Lane opened the scoring just over three minutes into the game at 13:56 when Greg Soderberg took a shot on the left side that bounced off Kao and into the net. With 42 seconds left in the first period, Beany scored his first of two with a perfect snipe in the top-right corner off the post and in. Hearon gave Fox Lane the 2-1 lead in the second with a rip from the top-left circle, assisted by Soderberg.

Pac tied it at 2 in the third period when Ryan Arnold slid it across the offensive zone to Beany, who sent the puck into the back of the net.

“We came out third period after the ice cut, 0-0 game, like it's a new game,” said Beany. “If we win the third period, we win the game. That was the mindset. I got a great pass from Ryan Arnold, and then I saw their goalie didn't slide quick enough, and the net was open, shot it, and the hole was there.”

With 1:19 to go, Mahopac’s Ryan Danahy was called for slashing to give Fox Lane a power play that continued into the extra frame. However, besides a point-blank hat-trick chance by Beany with 20 seconds to go, neither team generated much offense and the game ended in a stalemate.

*Penalties were an issue for both sides with eight in total between both teams, and the Wolf Pac registered five.

Mahopac outshot Fox Lane 30-24, including overtime, but despite this, the Pac missed the mark on a couple of passes and shot opportunities. In a young season with a new group of players, it’s something that is fixable.

"It's getting everybody on the same page,” said Donaghy. “We were only on the ice four times before this tournament. Guys are all produced playing with different teams and different levels. It just takes time.”