High School Ice Hockey:
Clearview Defeats Eastern In Battle For First Place

Friday, December 18, 1998

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

In an entertaining game played Friday night at Hollydell, Clearview defeated the defending champions from Eastern High School 5-2. The game started with Eastern spending the first minute in the Clearview zone, but goaltender Rich Reeger stymied the Vikings on two close-in scoring chances. Clearview would score on their first shot by Ryan Arnold, and it was 1-0 with less than two minutes played.

A little more than a minute later, Rob Coble scored for Clearview to make it 2-0, and all the momentum seemed to be with the Pioneers as Reeger continued to frustrate the Vikings. At the 11 minute mark, Tom Corson scored for Clearview and it was 3-0. Eastern finally dented Reeger as Ryan Janiszewski scored and the first period ended at 3-1. With the lead, Clearview played a strong defensive second period and when there was a breakdown, Reeger was there to make the save. Even though neither team scored in the second period, it became obvious that the next goal would be key.

With eleven minutes left in the game, Pat Sullivan scored for Clearview and it was 4-1. That goal seem to take the wind out of the Vikings sails and led to some undisciplined penalties. With a two man advantage, Brian Mattson scored on the power play with 3 minutes to go and a 5-1 lead for Clearview. With less than a minute to go, John Schallenhammer scored a short handed goal for Eastern to make the final score 5-2. With the convincing win, Clearview took sole possession of first place in South Jersey High School Ice Hockey League and looks like an early favorite to win the title.

Photos by Art Redd