STOCKHOLM – Heavy pressure paved the way for Kinnelon-Jefferson-Sparta United as they advanced to the NJSIAA Boys Hockey North Co-Op Tournament finals with a 5-1 victory over Paramus-Mahwah-Lyndhurst.
Going into this game, PML was the underdog, holding the fourth seed despite their recent dominance, having won eight of their last 10 games.
Even as the underdog on the road, PML skated onto the ice with high energy from the players and the student section.
KJS came into the game as the first seed, earning home-ice advantage in this matchup.
First period
PML started the first period strongly, applying pressure to KJS United with four shots on net within the first four minutes.
With 10 minutes left, top-seeded KJS woke up, firing shots at freshman goaltender E.J. Scherer, who made acrobatic saves, surviving five minutes of pressure where eight shots were put on net.
PML got a clutch steal, which led to a fast break down the ice, which ended with junior Givanni Masi draining a slapper in the net, giving Paramus a much-needed spark and a 1-0 lead.
Much of the remaining first period was spent in Paramus’s zone, but two clutch saves from Scherer kept the first-period shutout alive.
Second Period
The second period started with heavy KJS pressure. Two minutes into the period, Braydon Sisco snuck in the equalizer to keep the momentum in KJS’ favor.
With nine minutes left in the period, KJS continued pressuring PML’s freshman goalie, perhaps too much, as the puck went in the net, but it was called off due to goalie interference. Scherer was shaken up on the play, but stayed in the game.
Soon after, KJS took the lead with an Eddie Brown goal to make the score 2-1. After taking the lead, they never looked back.
With five minutes left in the period, KJS drew a power play. Even with outstanding pressure, Scherer and the PML special teams unit managed to kill the penalty.
To end the period, PML put on some pressure, but ultimately to no avail, with the second period ending with a 2-1 score in favor of KJS United.
Third period
The third period was all KJS United as they were given another power play opportunity two minutes in, and this time they capitalized with a goal from Brown, growing their lead to 3-1.
Seconds later, Sisco slapped one in the net, putting PML in a 4-1 hole.
PML’s high energy slowly began to fade as their season was slowly coming to an end.
In the final half of the third period, PML was able to apply some pressure but ultimately could not put the puck in the net.
With the goalie pulled and the net empty, Sisco fired a slap shot into the back of the cage, sealing the 5–1 victory and completing his hat trick.
This loss will end PML’s season, while KJS will move on to the NJSIAA North Co-Op Sectional Tournament finals against Mount Olive on Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
