February 9 - The Scotch Plains-Fanwood ice hockey team, led by their seniors, overcame 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to defeat the Arthur L Johnson Crusaders on Senior Night, Sunday 2/9/14 at the Rock in Dunellen. After an emotional pre-game ceremony honoring nine, four-year players and their parents, the senior Raiders showed a lot of heart and fight against a gritty Johnson team.
Senior captain Tyler Hardgrove was a force right from the start with his high energy play, but it was junior John Bruckman that scored the go-ahead goal in the third period, off a sweet assist from senior Eric Hogan. Bruckman also scored the fourth Raider goal, burying a high wrist shot and giving the Raiders a little breathing room. The Raiders had a tough time staying out of the penalty box all night, and drew another one with just over two minutes left in the contest. Senior defensemen Stephen Deduck and Kurtis Wisniewski were up to the task until the Crusaders pulled their goalie, giving them a two-man advantage and then it was senior goalie, Alex Montagna’s turn, making several game-saving stops in the final minute to cement the victory.
The Raiders had Governor Livingston on their schedule Tuesday 2/11/14 and visit Bayonne on Friday 2/14/14. With a win against GL, the Raiders should face Johnson again in the first round of the season ending Union County Tournament at Warinanco. Log onto the Raider Ice Hockey website at www.leaguelineup.com/spficehockey for schedule details.
