Paul Smith's College in Winter Carnival Classic

On Friday, February 7th, Jefferson Community College (JCC) traveled to the Saranac Lake Civic Center to face off against Paul Smith's College (PSC) in the 2nd Annual Winter Carnival Classic. This game marked their second league encounter of the season, following a thrilling 7-6 overtime victory for JCC in October in Watertown.

The Winter Carnival Classic has become a cherished tradition, with Paul Smith's College graciously hosting JCC each year. The event draws a full-capacity crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere that adds to the excitement on the ice.

JCC got off to a strong start, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period. Team captain Cameron Winebar showcased his speed and skill, outpacing PSC's leading scorer Attilla Quesnel to score a breakaway goal. The first period ended with the Cannoneers holding a narrow lead in what was shaping up to be a tightly contested game.

In the second period, Jefferson extended their lead to 4-1. Winebar continued to shine, scoring another goal, followed by goals from Gionet and Jakob Amidon. Amidon's goal came just 10 seconds after Winebar's, giving JCC a commanding 4-0 lead. However, PSC managed to score in the final minute of the period, making it 4-1. Goalie Mason Patnode was a standout performer in the second period, stopping 18 shots on goal and keeping PSC at bay.

The third period saw Winebar complete his hat trick and add a fourth goal, effectively putting the game out of reach for PSC. The three Owens—Bismarck, Ebersol, and VanBrocklin—were instrumental in the team's success, registering key assists throughout the game. The Cannoneers' passionate forechecking and solid defensive play, led by Kellan Duffy, Carson Barrett, Nate Van Wie, Traigh Kittle, and Marty Hughes, were crucial to their victory.

This win marks JCC's third consecutive victory against their northern rivals, PSC, a highly ranked team in AAU Division II hockey. The Cannoneers have now won five straight games since returning from the semester break, with victories over LeMoyne, Canton, Union, Cornell, and Paul Smith's.

Jefferson Community College continues to pace AAU Division III Hockey nationally, with three players among the top five in scoring. Cam Winebar leads the nation with 48 points. Owen Bismarck is in 4th place, with 46 points. Kyle Gionet rounds out the top five with 43 points overall. JCC's success this season has been a team effort, and these players would be the first to tell you it's about the team alongside them game in and game out, not about individual successes.

• Cam Winebar: 31 Goals, 17 Assists, 48 Points (1st place)
• Owen Bismarck: 20 Goals, 26 Assists, 46 Points (4th place)
• Kyle Gionet: 19 Goals, 24 Assists, 43 Points (5th place)

JCC looks to wrap up their season with upcoming games against Onondaga Community College and LeMoyne College next week. The Cannoneers currently rank second in points in the UNYCHL, boasting a record of 13 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie.