Third period, a charm for Sparta Ice Hockey The Sparta ice hockey team continued its winning streak and its penchant for third period dominance. Bouncing back from an 8-1 defeat at the hands of the Mountain Lakes team, the Spartans defeated division rival Newton 5-1. Sparta has now won 4 out of its last 5 games, catapulting the team to within one win of clinching a state playoff berth. During the Friday, Feb. 3 game, at Chill Out Sports Arena in Hackettstown, Newton led after two periods on the strength of the team’s freshman goalie Justin Hoffman and a Derek D’Agostino goal, which came on a 5 on 3 power play. The Spartans continually struggled with their penalty discipline, taking many penalties as Newton came out determined to play a hard checking, physical game. After a tongue lashing by coach Dave Tantillo between periods, Sparta responded in the third as Matt Tantillo scored the tying goal 2:30 into the period. Senior Nick Podkowik then put the Spartans ahead 5 minutes later. Then, in a span of time of just over a minute, Sparta exploded with three goals by Mike Postorino, Nick Podkowik and Matt Tantillo to seal the victory. Sparta’s senior goaltender, Mike Ryan stood tall in the net, stopping 24 of 25 shots. Sparta next skates against Passaic Valley at 5 p.m. at MacKay Ice Arena in Englewood.