Pythons slither past Sharks in comeback win

The Pythons spotted the Sharks a two-goal lead in the first period

before storming back for a 7-3 victory in Howe Division playoff

action at Coast 2 Coast Inline Hockey Center in Huntington Beach.

The Sharks took a 3-1 lead after one period, getting goals from

Shane Patel, Nolan Smith and Trevor Dunbar with assists going to

Jordan Conaway and Travis Bertrand.

The Pythons, however, outscored the Sharks 6-0 over the final two

periods. Four Pythons got into the scoring act, led by Aaron Caro,

Brandon Drochner and Austin Heinz, each with two goals.

Nick Evans scored the other goal for the Pythons and also assisted

on two goals.

Drochner added an assist and Charlie Condron recorded 16 saves.

Corey Jones had 18 saves for the Sharks.

In other Howe Division playoff action:

Riptide 6, Atomic Punks 5

The Riptide held off a late charge to advance in the postseason.

James Williams’ two goals led a Riptide squad that had single

goals from Adam Scott, Zachary Jezulin, Trevor Jackson and Zac

Zomaya. Scott, Zomaya and Gregory Hancock each had an assist.

Nicholas Jezulin finished with 19 saves.

Troy Loggins posted three goals to lead the Atomic Punks. Kolyn

Switzer and Nick Hansen each scored once, Switzer and Kevin Gast each

had an assist and Zachary Beko had 14 saves.

In Smythe Division playoff action:

Vipers 4, Crusaders 1

A three-goal first period propelled the Vipers past the Crusaders.

Jeffrey Beko and Lauren Kilroy scored goals and Kilroy and Matthew

Williams each had an assist for the Vipers. Zackary Beko came up with

25 saves.

Jared Perez scored off a Sean Mastro feed in the final period to

account for the Crusaders scoring, and David Mastro had 18 saves.

Booyahs 5, Blackhawks 2

Dylan Zeglovitch’s two goals led all scorers as the Booyahs

advanced.

Sam Prizler, Aaron Katayama and Chad Loughran also scored and

Zeglovitch, Matthew Mahony and Bryce King each had an assist. Chas

Plimpton had 20 saves.

Connor Culhane scored for the Blackhawks and Nicole Chittum and

Patrick Moon each had an assist.