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Sparks were flying and the hitting was intense as DePaul and Lakeland met in a rematch of the county ice hockey finals. Both team came out looking to take over the lead in their division but the teams had to settle for a draw that left neither sports team either ecstatic or upset.
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DePaul was more aggressive team out of the gate and established control early. After a few chances by DePaul, Lakeland began to pick up their play and soon after earned a power play. Andrew Nedziewicki blasted a shot from the point, putting Lakeland up 1-0 eight minutes into the game.
Soon after the second period began, DePaul was rewarded with a power play where they were unable to generate any clear chances. Lakeland then went on a power play as DePaul took a bad penalty on the offensive zone. DePaul had the best chance on that man advantage, hitting the post on a 2-on-1 break. The period ended with both team trying to take control of a very physical North Jersey hockey game.
The last period was a continuation of the second period with relentless hard hitting. DePaul however did have the offensive edge and on a scramble in front of the goal, Ray Clark somehow poked one in to tie the hockey contest. The Spartans had a few more opportunities but couldn't get anything else past Lakeland goalie Keith Gay.
DePaul, now 9-1-1, remains in second place in the division. Coach Frank Krause said, “We’ll have to take this as a positive result considering how well Lakeland played."
Lakeland is now 10-1-1 and in first place in the Northern White division, two points up on the Spartans. Coach Larry Mahurter was pleased to come away with the tie against a team he calls "clearly one of the best on the division." The Lancers will play DePaul again in early February, but before that contest they have two games with the other top contender for division honors, Verona High School. -- Emir Liguori for Jersey Sports Now
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