It’s that time of year, cold weather, snow falling, and the holiday season on everyone’s mind. The puck has officially dropped in the 2023-24 season for the West Milford Highlander Hockey team (WMPQPL). They have come out firing on all cylinders to a 5-0 start.
In their opening night game vs. rival Lakeland, the Highlanders obliterated the Lancers. In a 5-1 win, the team was on fire. The crowd from start to finish was roaring. “It gave us chills, I could barely hear my name get called during pregame intros.” said Senior assistant captain John Biegel. With stellar play from Nick Lombardo in the net saving 31 shots, the Highlanders cruised their way to victory. With Pequannock’s, Ray Goetz and Kyle Gregory getting the party started 2-0 early, the WMPQPL team gathered momentum. Junior Anthony Weisse was the first player to light the lamp from West Milford. Followed by freshman Sean Hughes took a shot from the middle and put it right past the Lakeland goaltender. Senior Carson McGuire joined the scoring, capping a 5 goal night for the Highlanders.
The Highlanders were right back to work a couple days later vs. PCTI. The trend of scoring continued as John Biegel scored twice in the opening period to swing momentum in their favor. Goals were then scored by Pequannock’s Aidan Lindgren and Joe Barroquerio. Then Pompton Lakes’ Timmy Riche scored to make it a 5-1 game. The final goal of the game was scored by Sean Hughes. Hughes is a defensemen but is known as one that scores. Nick Lombardo again was lockdown saving 36 of 38 shots on goal.
The next game was a 6-2 win vs. Mahwah. Pequannock’s Aidan Lingren and Pompton Lakes’ Timmy Riche both rang the bell twice in the win. Joe Barroquerio and Kyle Gregory also scored to make it 6 goals for WMPQPL. Nick Lombardo faced 19 shots and saved 17 to secure the win and improve to 3-0.
WMPQ’s next game was against the Ramapo Raiders. Timmy Riche got WMPQPL on the board first in the first period and they never looked back. Aidan Lingren and Joe Barroquerio scored in the second period to make it a 3-0 game. Then in the third period the Highlanders were able to score with the man advantage twice. Sean Hughes and Jake Pedicone both scored to make it 5-0. The final score would go on to be 5-1 with Nick Lombardo again playing outstanding, saving 28 out of 29 shots in net.
Their most recent game was a dominating 7-2 win over Wayne Hills. West Milford’s Matt Montena was in net for this one giving Nick Lombardo the night off. The Highlanders would go down 2-0 early in this one, but battled back and finished with a statement. Aidan Lingren led the way scoring a hat trick in this one. Kyle Gregory scored twice and Sean Hughes scored once. Even in a game they trailed in, they still came out on top.
With WMPQPL off to a scorching hot 5-0 start, they come into tonight’s tilt vs. Lakeland looking to break out the brooms and sweep their rivals Lakeland. Come out and support the team tonight at Ice Vault Arena. Wear your sweaters and Santa hats and be loud.
