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High School Ice Hockey:
Gooch Late Goal Steers Clearview Thru The Valley

Friday, November 9, 2001

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Dave Gooch scored with less than five minutes left in the game to snap a 2-2 tie and lead Clearview over Rancocas Valley 4-2 in a varsity game played at Hollydell on Friday night. It was clear from the outset that the game plan for Rancocas was to play solid defense, back check and wait for a break. Jeff Sporer who broke in all-alone and lifted a back-hander scored the only goal of the first period and Rancocas led 1-0 heading into the second period. Nick DeJesus tied the score at 1-1 scoring off a feed from Sam Valora and Bill Dubar.

Ray Mellon gave Rancocas a 2-1 lead less than two minutes later and solid goaltending by Chelsea Ward, facing her toughest opponent to date, made that lead stand till the third period. Clearview tied the game at 2-2 as Chris Riggs scored on a turn around shot in the slot. The game stayed that way until Gooch's heroics. John Probe added an empty net goal to close out the scoring.

Photos by Art Redd

©2001 South Jersey Sports Online Inc.