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High School Ice Hockey:
Late Goal By Orner Has Eastern Fit To Be Tied

Monday, November 5, 2001

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Anthony Orner scored with nine seconds remaining as Eastern rallied to tie Washington Township 2-2 in a well played game at the Skate Zone in Voorhees on Monday night. Both teams got solid play from their goaltenders, with Dan Meyers stopping 17 of 18 shots in the first period and keeping Eastern in the game. The only shot that beat Meyers was on the power play as Drew Petersen put home a rebound off a Tom Davies blast and Township led 1-0. Township had constant pressure and controlled play for most of the period but Meyers stood tall.

Late in the first period Matt Chappell picked up a loose puck at center ice and flew down the right side. As he skated to the slot, he moved to his backhand and beat Adam Sezcech that goal tied the score at 1-1. The second period was scoreless in which both teams had scoring opportunities, including Townships' Nick Martorano breaking in but defenseman Joe DiLauro rode him off the puck to prevent any damage. Midway through the final period Eric Marano skated around the net and his wrap around goal gave Township a 2-1 lead. Eastern had a power play with just less than three minutes remaining, and their best opportunity went ringing off the post on a blast by Orner.

Coach Pontonio gambled with around forty five seconds remaining as he pulled Meyers in favor of an extra attacker. Unable to keep the puck in and an empty net to shoot at, Marano fired from the Township side of center ice and just missed the far right post. With the icing call, Eastern won the face-off and jammed the net and Orner calmly lifted the puck in and the Vikings hard work paid off.

Photos by Art Redd

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