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High School Ice Hockey:
Third Period the Difference as Township Beats Clearview

Friday, January 14, 2005

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Washington Township scored twice in the third period to snap a 5-5 tie and defeat Clearview 7-5 before a packed house at Hollydell. In a game that was tight throughout, where neither team could get an edge or any kind of momentum, Townships’ depth was a huge factor in this win. Clearview seemed to have the edge in fans in the stands, and Chris Riggs gave them something to cheer about early, as he scored in the opening thirty seconds. Township responded on the power play as Dave Smetaniuk scored with Fred Brewer and Mike Rohach assisting.

After Steve Short converted a Riggs pass on the power play to put Clearview ahead 2-1, Brewer tied the score at 2-2 on a nice feed from Kyle Stokes. The period ended with the score tied at 2-2, the penalties even at two each and the shots were 11-10 in favor of Township. The second period had the feel of playoff hockey as each team scored three goals and each team responding after falling behind. Sean Stamm scored the first of his two goals in the second period to give Clearview a 3-2 lead, but twenty three seconds later, Rob Hniedziejko, given the opportunity for more playing time with the defection of Bill Choy, tied the score for Township on the power play.

The remainder of the period was back and forth, with Riggs and Stamm giving Clearview leads, but Josh Courant and Marco Jordan responded for Township to keep the game tied at 5-5 heading into the final period. Brewer scored the game winner with just over five minutes left in the game on a quick shot and Hniedziejko iced the game ninety seconds later. Clearview could not muster much offense over the final minutes and Township remains the only team not to suffer a loss this season.

Notes: Clearview was missing leading score Mike Sullivan and his presence would have made a difference. Township could finish in first as it has yet to face Moorestown, another great example of the scheduling, that game occurs on January 24th at Voorhees.

Photos by Art Redd


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