WEST MILFORD — West Milford High School's ice hockey team had an excellent week, scoring two wins and a tie.
Highlanders beat Ramapo 1-0
The three seniors on the team were honored before the game on Feb. 1 for their dedication over the past four years. Ross Mantione, RJ Weld, and Mark Crevina were escorted onto the ice with their parents, then sophomore Bobby Campbell performed the Star Spangled Banner.
Goalie Mantione was on his game from the beginning, keeping Ramapo scoreless in the first period. With two minutes left in the period. Joe Fenui scored off an assist from Chris Dressler, giving West Milford a 1-0 lead.
The second period had many shots on goal, but none scored. Both teams were significantly more aggressive, but with very strong defenses. This continued into the third period. Mantione stopped everything that came at him, preserving the shutout for the Highlanders.
West Milford and Mahwah tie
The next day, West Milford and Mahwah took the ice. In the first period, Fenui got a goal with an assist from Dressler and Andrew Ajello. That would be the only goal for the Highlanders. During the second period, Mahwah score their only goal. The third period was a scoreless for both teams ending in the 1-1 tie. It was the third tie for the Highlanders this season.
West Milford 3, Jefferson 1
On Feb. 4, the Highlanders faced Jefferson in a game which did not count toward their record, since the two neighboring teams are in different leagues.
The Falcons and the Highlanders were evenly matched. It took less than 30 seconds for Dressler to score his first goal of the game. Three minutes in, Dressler struck again, scoring his second goal.
The second period was scoreless for both teams, with Dressler and Matt Filipek with shots on goal. Mantione protected the West Milford goal and kept the Falcons from scoring.
At 7:38 in the third period, Jefferson scored their only goal. Mantione reached for the puck but it slid out of his hands. Another Jefferson skater lifted it over him for the score. But West Milford answered. Dressler scored his third goal of the game, his first hat trick of the season, for the 3-1 win.
This was a very physical game on both sides.
- Contributed by Alison Cosgrove