1/13--The Preview

Howell Rebels (7-2-2) at Toms River South Indians (9-1-1)
Meet the Opponent: After suffering their first loss of the season on Tuesday (4-0 loss vs Toms River North), the #45 Toms River South Indians stand with a record of 9-1-1, which included win streaks of four games and five, and the Bill McKinnon-led team will look to rebound off a struggling Howell squad.
Howell Rebels X-Factor: 'Resiliency'. The Rebels have to come out in this game showing some kind of fight after Tuesday's performance (4-1 loss vs Brick). Not only from captains Dave Ramos and Eddie Pyskaty, who come to play daily, but from the entire team. Howell needs to understand they are in a virtual must-win game, as another loss can send them in a tailspin to finish the season.
Toms River South Indians X-Factor: 'Defense + Goaltending'. With a team GAA of 1.55, the Indians need to keep Howell out of scoring position, Ramos in particular. If they neutralized Ramos and don't allow Howell to get in a rhythm offensively, as Brick did, Howell could suffer their first losing streak in school history.
The outcome: Howell defeats Toms River South 5-3. An emotional talk from Ramos before the game will spark Howell, and reunite them with their winning ways in a game they must have. Pyksaty will see more time on offense, a position he is more comfortable with, and that will help the Rebels beat the Indians.