Jersey snatches 3 of 4 from Vermont
November 25, 2008
Burlington, VT - This past weekend the southern division leading Jersey Hitmen traveled to Vermont for a two game set versus the Green Mountain Glades. The Glades, fresh off a weekend sweep at the hands of the NH Monarchs, made some key changes to revamp and re-energize their line-up. In an early week move the Glades signed ex-USHL forward Tyler Brickler from the Waterloo Blackhawks, then went across the state into New Hampshire to sign ex-Monarchs goaltender Connor Shannon, and coach Chris Line finished his moves by re-activating UMASS-LOWELL recruit Riley Wetmore and Peter Massar from injured reserve.
In game one the Hitmen jumped out to an early lead scoring just 6:43 into the game when Niagara University recruit, Ryan Craig, finished on a nifty passing play from linemates, Jeremy Langlois and Kevin Czepiel to put the Hitmen up 1-0, and that lead would grow. Just :22 seconds later, Will Frederick would put home a Garet Chumley rebound to lengthen the lead, 2-0, and it looked like the Hitmen were on their way. However, five minutes later the Hitmen were bit by an unlucky play as fresh out of the penalty box Green Mt defenseman, Michael Donnellan, intercepted an icing out of mid air to go in on a breakaway and convert to cut the lead in half, 2-1. After both sides traded some scoring chances, Ansel Ivens-Anderson, who had an amazing weekend, shifted the momentum back in the Hitmen's favor as with just 1 minute left in the period he beat newly acquired goaltender, Connor Shannon, on a pretty deke play off the post to extend the lead back to, 3-1.
The second period started much the same as the first with both teams using their speed and the big ice surface to exchange scoring chances, and both teams lit the lamp. At the 13:46 mark Zach Vit scored for Green Mt followed ten minutes later by a Jeremy Langlois powerplay goal at the three minute mark, and it looked as if the Hitmen would head into the locker room with another 2 goal lead until 1 minute later Chris Smelstor scored his 1st EJHL goal shifting the momentum in the Glades favor and that was more than evident as from the drop of the puck in the third stanza the Glades took control. Early in the 3rd period Green Mt struck twice to take the lead, but the Hitmen would not go away without a fight. With the extra attacker, and on the powerplay, Hitmen clutch performer, Nick Geraci scored the equalizer to send the game into overtime, 5-5, and it would stay that way as both teams would battle and split the two points.
On Sunday, the back on forth action of Saturday would not rear its head until the 14:39 mark of the second period, as behind first period goals from Garet Chumley, Ansel Ivens-Anderson, Nick Jones and Mike Slowikowski the Hitmen would open up a gapping 4-0 lead, but the Glades would roar back. In a 1:15 minutes span the Glades would cut the lead to 4-3, but the Hitmen would persevere, right the ship and get back on track behind their powerplay and goals from Will Frederick, Ansel Ivens-Anderson and Alex Cantor to win going away, 7-3.
"The Glades competed hard this weekend, and I really like how their team plays," commented coach Harris. "I was upset with us relinquishing 3 leads on Saturday night, but I was happy how we battled through a tough one minute stretch on Sunday in a road game, to win. With break staring you in the face I know it is tough for a lot of these guys who have been away from home for the first time ever for over 3 months to stay focused and we saw that on Saturday night. I look forward to the break, having the boys go home, get re-energized and come back hungry."
The Hitmen will face off against the Boston Jr Bruins Saturday December 6th @ 5:15pm and Sunday December 7th @ 11am.