The hockey season is officially on, because Nov. 29 was the Highlander’s first game. Indian Hills was the opponent, and is the second highest ranked team in the league. This was challenged when West Milford versed them.
The action began quickly as freshman Chris Dressler scored the first goal of the game at 11:17. Alex Crevina assisted Dressler in the first goal of his high school career. Ross Mantione continued his legacy as a great goalie by blocking five out of six shots in the first period. Indian Hills scored one goal in this period, but the action did not end. This motivated the Highlanders to step up their game and work even harder.
The second period was not as intense as the first, but it was obviously rougher. Both teams were checking more due to Indian Hills wanting more goals, and the Highlanders trying to score another one. Indian Hills managed to score two more times, making the score 1-3. This was not the score the Highlanders wanted, so they quickly turned it around.
The third and final period contained the most action and motivation. In the beginning, nobody scored, but both teams were striving to do so. However, at 10:41, Dressler scored again. This time, Brandon Little had the assist. About seven minutes later, Little was the one who scored the goal. The last minute of the game was the deciding factor. The puck would keep getting so close to the Indian Hills goal, but another goal just could not be captured. The team was very satisfied with a 3-3 score.
On the first day of December, the Highlanders had another game. This time, DePaul was the opposing team. Students of the high school came out to support the team, and did a great job encouraging the players. The intensity was apparent. About 40 seconds into the game, the Highlanders had their first shot on the DePaul goal. The rebound almost created a goal, but the goalie succeeded in stopping the puck. At 6:57, DePaul scored the first point. This was not very discouraging though, because the support from students kept the Highlanders going.
The second period was not as eventful at first. West Milford and DePaul kept competing for the puck, but nobody scored until there was 1:51 left in the period. Dressler, who just came out of the penalty box, scored West Milford’s first and only goal of the game. This was what the team needed, because the energy carried over into the final period.
It all came down to this period, who would break the tie? It was 1-1, with two very fierce teams vying for the last point. The West Milford fan club was providing heaps of support as the game was winding down. After all, it was DePaul who conquered. At 7:23, the final goal was scored. The ultimate score was 2-1. This game was not a disappointment though. Over 80 shots were fired at Mantione, but he only let two in. Good luck Highlanders!
