Sparta - One night after losing their divisional playoff game to DePaul Catholic, 1-0, the Newton Braves skated to a 4-3 victory over Sparta Feb. 17 at the Chill Out Arena in Hackettstown. The win avenged a 5-1 loss to Sparta two weeks earlier. Prior to the rematch, the Newton players and coaches held a party to recognize the accomplishments of three senior players who have contributed to the team’s success during the two seasons of the Braves’ existence: captains John Irmiter and Derek D’agastino, and alternate captain, Justin Nunziato. Irmiter scored two of the Braves’ four goals, including the winner late in the thid period, assisted on each by Ed Conrads. Conrads scored the other two, the first of the game, unassisted, in the first period, and a third-period goal assisted by D’agastino. Sparta scored all three of its goals in the third period. Matt Tantillo scored twice on the power play, assisted on each by Nick Podkowik, who scored an unassisted goal of his own with the teams at even strength. Both teams started last year as JV squads playing in the Skylands league. They have split the four games they have played over the two seasons. Newton will close out their remaining games against DePaul and High Point, while Sparta will continue in their divisional and state playoff games.