The River Dell Golden Hawks Varsity Hockey Team(5-7, 3-0 Big North Patriot) faced off against the Passaic Bulldogs(8-6-3, 1-3 Big North Stars) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
River Dell was coming off a 6-2 defeat to Ridgewood on January 20th at the Ice House in Hackensack, New Jersey. Senior Roman Kirilytchev tallied both goals for the Golden Hawks.
Golden Hawks Head Coach Kyle Scancerella on the opportunity for the team to play on the home ice of the New Jersey Devils. “It was awesome, we got there early and had a good pre-game meal in the concourse. We were able to look across the ice and the scoreboard had our logo.”
Passaic Tech struck first in the game with seven minutes remaining in the first period on a goal from John Kensicki. However, River Dell tied the contest up before the first-period horn sounded.
The Bulldogs had an incredible opportunity to extend their lead despite being shorthanded with a two-on-0 breakaway. Still, Golden Hawks junior goaltender Liam made a spectacular sprawling save on a close-range shot by Angelo LaCognata.
Senior Riley Ehrenfels quickly drove up the ice. Ehrenfels passed the puck to Roman Kirilytchev, who did a phenomenal job bypassing a Passaic Tech defenseman and getting the puck into the front of the net, where senior Vinny Miraglia was parked in front to knock home the rebound with nine seconds remaining.
“We were on the power play, it wasn’t the best we’ve ever run, but Liam Freel made an outstanding save on the shorthanded break, River Dell Head Coach Kyle Scancerella explained. We went right back on the attack and thanked God for Liam keeping us in the game. Vinny put away the garbage like he always did and scored a big goal.
Passaic Tech possessed the puck most of the time at the Golden Hawk’s end of the ice in the second period. Once again, Liam Freel stepped up, making tremendous saves to keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.
“Passaic Tech has their system of they’re going to grind you out, cycle the puck, stay patient and jump on the chances, Head Coach Kyle Scancerella described. They second period they took it to us, and the puck was in our own ended and we couldn’t get it out. We felt lucky to be tied 1-1 and could pick it up and have a chance to win.”
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