Mars attack too much for Springfield

It might be Cinderella's time of year, but the Springfield (Delco) ice hockey team couldn't muster the magic Saturday.

Springfield - which won the Flyers Cup as the fourth seed on an overtime goal mere minutes after Unionville's would-be winner was disallowed - was turned away by Mars Area, 5-2, in the Pennsylvania Cup Class A final at Ice Line in West Chester.

The Cougars (17-6-3) were overwhelmed by Mars' dynamic offensive attack. The Planets, winners of the Penguins Cup for the third year running, won their second consecutive Class A state title behind Nicholas Blaney's hat trick (he added one assist) and senior Elliot Tisdale's two goals.

Springfield coach Phil Eastman, who in his fifth year led the Cougars to their first title-game appearance since 2001, thought his team played solid defense but simply was unable to match Mars' potent offense.

"When the puck came to their sticks, we were a little slow to react," Eastman said. "We didn't take their space away quick enough."

Springfield received goals from senior and team Captain Dave Allen and defenseman Connor Phillips, whose score with 31 seconds left was inconsequential.

But Allen's score drew the game even with 9 minutes, 4 seconds left in the second period. About three minutes later, with Springfield shorthanded, junior Conor Doyle's breakaway chance was snuffed when Mars goalie Tyler Stepke made a pivotal pad save.

Tisdale then took the puck in transition, streaking up the boards, and netted a power-play goal with 5:25 left. The backhanded shot gave Mars a 2-1 lead.

"The swing right there," Mars assistant coach Steve Neese said before pausing and shaking his head. ". . . For Tyler to make a save like that, and for us to go up one on them, it's just giant."

Mars (24-1) allowed just three goals all postseason and 24 throughout the regular season.

Springfield came out physical and was hitting hard deep into the third period, when the Cougars skaters appeared frustrated by their deficit.

"We came out hard, came out hitting. I think we got away from that at times," Allen said. He added: "We knew we could beat this team, but it just didn't happen today."

Springfield 0 1 1 – 2

Mars 1 2 2 – 5

Goals: S–Dave Allen, Connor Phillips; M–Nicholas Blaney 3, Elliot Tisdale 2.

Saves: S–Mike Rice 30; M–Tyler Stepke 31.