Cody Bernstein Leads Lake Washington To Playoffs With 12-7 Win Over Skyline

The Lake Washington Kangaroos came out with a late season intensity to upset the visiting Skyline Spartans.  Both teams knew the importance of the game and took to the field with high energy.  The first few minutes was back-and-forth as both teams tried to maintain their composure.  However, Skyline scored first with a nice transition finish from Ryan Benz.  On the next possession junior Kang standout Cody Bernstein scored unassisted to tie the game up.  

Bernstein would be the key for Lake Washington tonight as he shredded the weak Skyline defense.  Spartan Jack Pruitt would score unassisted in his 1:4 set to give the Spartans a one goal lead 2-1 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw a rise in game effort and intensity as the Kangaroos started to pounce on the Spartans.  C. Bernstein struck again unassisted as the Skyline defense could not match him one-on-one and no double team came.  Lake Washington freshman Hank Schmale got in on the action with two back-to-back goals, one coming off a quick loose ball grab off the face off.  Skyline faltered in their attempts to set the tempo and gain momentum on offense, as the Kangs defense front forced several turnovers.  Skyline penalties led to several EMOs where Bernstein scored two more on the back side.  Lake Washington led 6-3 at the half. 

As the third quarter progressed the Kangs began to dominate face offs and possesion times. Sophomore Reily Blackner was brilliant at the faceoff circle and even netted a hat trick on the night. However, the real trump card was Skyline's inability to match C. Bernstein who was a thorn in the their side all night.  His brother Jake Bernstein got in on the action, racking up some assists and goals himself.  It was a game referees knew the players were going to go all out for and let them play.  Benz would become Skyline's scoring leader with three, but it would not swing momentum.  Lake Washington was in firm control 10-5 at the end of the quarter.  The fourth got away from both teams as transition and unsettled end-to-end action drew cheers and sighs from the crowd.  Skyline would eventually fall 12-7 to Lake Washington.  With the win, the Kangs will likely secure the no. 5 playoff spot in the Northeast conference.  However, they will seek to improve this week playing the state's best in Mercer Island and Bellevue.

Players of the Game:

Cody Bernstein (LW)- 5g, 1a

Jake Bernstein (LW)- 2g, 2a

Ryan Benz (Sky)- 3g

Cody Bernstein's Post Game Comments