| |
 |
The Spartans of DePaul edged last years county champs to reach the finals of the Passaic County ice hockey tournament. The Spartans beat the Mustangs of Clifton 2-1 in a close game that was decided on a goal with 27 seconds left in the contest by captain Eric Moen.
|
Both teams started the game slowly. Despite a couple of power play opportunities, neither team was able to cash in and take control of the match. The period had very few scoring chances with only 13 shots between both teams.
The Mustangs showed more intensity to start the second period and on a power play they had a few quality chances, none of which yielded a goal. The Spartans were awarded a power play later in the period and Scott Steinel poked in of a rebound to give them a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
DePaul came out skating as they know how in the third period and quickly took control of the game. The Spartans had a few early chances but Mustangs goalie Mike Ferenc was able to deny them. DePaul goalie Matt Fantuzzi saved a breakaway and it seemed like the Spartans might hold on to win 1-0. But with less than 4 minutes to play, the Mustangs' Ryan Bergen managed to net the equalizer.
The game seemed to be heading to overtime when Erich Moen made the key play of the contest. He intercepted a clearing attempt by Clifton and gave the puck to Joe Barbieri while skating towards the net. Barbieri sent the puck to the front of the goal where Moen tipped it in for the game-winner.
DePaul (6-1) will be paired up against Lakeland High School, which defeated West Milford in the other semifinals. DePaul had an off night but managed to win. Coach Frank Krause praised his team for digging deep and pulling off the win in the final half-minute. However, coach Krause was quick to point out that his team can not afford to have a slow start again if it plans to hoist the trophy on Monday night. -- Emir Liguori for Jersey Sports Now
|
