Cleary, Darby Score 13 Seconds Apart in Rout

The Bridgewater-Raritan varsity ice hockey team won its first round game in the High School Holiday Classic Monday at the , blanking Montville 5-0. With the win, the Panthers move on to the second round and remain undefeated on the season.

1st

2nd

3rd

Total

Montville (4-4)

0

0

0

0

Bridgewater-Raritan (7-0-1)

2

3

0

5

OVERVIEW

Steven Cleary scored less than three minutes into the game, and Tyler Darby scored 13 seconds later for a 2-0 Panther lead as the team blanked Montville, 5-0. 

The Panthers offense and forecheck kept the puck in the Mustang end for much of the game as the Panthers outshot the Mustangs 37-6.

Panthers added two goals of his own, and assistant captain Eric Leutters had a goal in the second period.

PANTHER OF THE GAME

Tyler Darby, sophomore forward—Assisted on the Panthers first goal and 13 seconds later scored the Panthers second goal.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES

David Monahan, senior forward—Scored two goals in the second period.

Eric Leutters, senior forward—Had a goal and an assist

Eddie Weissman, freshman forward—Had two assists

COACH'S TAKE

“Today was a good all around effort. They [Montville defense] kept trying to throw the puck up the boards to clear their zone, which played into our forecheck. That allowed us to keep the puck in their zone.”—Panthers head coach Patrick Alvin

THEY SAID IT

“We played a good team game today. Both our offense and defense came out strong today. The next games are going to be tougher and we’re going to have to take it to them.”—Assistant captain Eric Leutters

UP NEXT—Winner of the Middletown/Ridge game Tuesday at 5:40 p.m. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.