The Princeton Day ice hockey team opened the season with a nice win, doubling up Bergan Catholic to begin the Gordon Conference American Division schedule.
It doesn’t get any easier, though, on Tuesday when the defending state champion, Christian Brothers Academy, visits Lisa McGraw Skating Rink with the puck dropping at 4 p.m.
The Colts were 27-0-3 last season and finished the season winning 26 straight games, including a 7-1 victory over PDS.
This will be CBA’s season opener.
“The fact they haven’t lost a game in more than 20 months likely means they’ll come in with a ton of confidence and a clear understanding of what it takes to win games,’’ said PDS coach Scott Bertoli. “They are a highly skilled team that like to get all five players involved in their attack and overwhelmed us at times in our one meeting last year. And as always, winning the special teams battle will be key to success and maintaining any momentum we gather throughout the game.’’
Bertoli was impressed with the play of the Panthers in the 4-2 win over Bergan Catholic.
“The focus and preparation leading up to the game was a drastic improvement from last year and allowed us to weather the early charge from BC, and ultimately settle into our game,’’ said Bertoli. “Our speed, skill and depth was really evident as we controlled the game for much of the second and third periods. Our freshmen adjusted quickly to both the pace and physicality of the game and made significant contributions.’’
Rosh Nissangaratchie had a goal and an assist, while Ace Ewanchyna, Brady Logue and Han Shin scored for the Panthers.
But, now it’s on to Christian Brothers.
“We like to play an up tempo game and have had success generating plenty of chances in transition early on, so we’ll have to find ways to continue to do so against an organized group,’’ Bertoli added. “Perhaps the biggest key to our success will be our ability to sustain offensive zone pressure and limit the amount of time we spend in our defensive zone.
Early Season CVC Test
There won’t be early season target practice for Princeton and Notre Dame, two of the premier programs in the Colonial Valley Conference.
The two meet Monday at the Mercer County Skating Center at 3:30 p.m.
The Irish, who are the defending Mercer County Tournament champion, avenged a pair of regular season losses to the Tigers last year with a 7-2 win in the MCT final.
ND lost a trio of weapons in Will Celli (28-24), Drew…
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