1/1--The Preview

Freehold Boro Coloniols (3-5) at Howell Rebels (5-1-3)
Previous '09 meeting: In the earlier meeting between the Rebels and the Colonials, Howell scored early and often, and took the game 8-2, in non-dramatic fashion. Althoguh Howell was in the midst of a goaltender crisis, as everyday starter Zack Peras was benched in favor of James Bodeker, it didn't pose as much of a problem for the first-place Rebels. Dave Ramos and Eddie Pyskaty dominanted the offense, accounting for seven on the teams eight points. This was the first and only doiminant win for Howell in 2009.
Freehold Boro X-Factor: 'Forward Tyler Blum'. The team captain was nearly non-existent in a game where the Colonials supplied virtually no offense. If Boro wants any chance in the 2010 debut, this man will have to play a big role and will need to be a huge contributor to the offense. He needs to play well for the Colonials to take a run at Howell.
Howell X-Factor: 'Defense from Matt Morelli and Matt Kotch'. There won't be much stress on either the offense or defense for the Rebels in this game, but I expect Freehold Boro to come out hard for the first five minutes and put some pressure of the Rebels defense. If these two blue-liners stand tall for the first couple of minutes, I see Howell coasting to another blowout win.
Outcome: Howell defeats Freehold Boro 7-2. For the second time this season, I see Howell running away with this one rather easily. Coming off a big win, the adrenaline is still there for the first-place Rebels and they have way too much offensive firepower and talent for the Colonials to hang in there very long.