1/28--The Final Act

This season, the Howell Rebels have accumulated a record of 10-2-4, good enough to be ranked #28 overall in the state, and clinching a state playoff berth. With that said, there is no easy road ahead for the Rebels, with six remaining games. Let's take a closer look at the teams Howell will play in an attempt to gain momentum heading into postseason play.

January 30th: Middletown South (9-3-2, 25th overall). Without a doubt, the toughest test for the playoff-bound Rebs, as Middletown South is the only remaining team on the schedule that is ranked higher than Howell. With impressive wins all season long, it will be interesting to see how Howell matches up with the Eagles, who have only suffered losses to CBA, Brick Memorial, and Middletown North.

February 3rd: Woodbridge (4-12, 124th overall). This game really has no business being a competitive won for the Rebels, who just attain too much firepower on the offensive side of the puck. Look for a lot of Rebels seniors to see action in this game, which should be nothing short of a laugher.

February 6th: Point Pleasant Borough (5-12-2, 110th overall). Much like the previous game, this game shouldn't be too much trouble for Howell. The Panthers, who give up 3.16 goals per game, will have a lot of trouble stopping the scoring attack from Howell, who averages nearly 5 goals a game.

February 9th: At Northern Highlands (9-5-2, 29th overall). Most likely the most intriguing game for Howell down the stretch. In terms of GAA and GF, the Highlanders and Rebels nearly mirror each other, as they match-up nicely up and down the roster. Literally on top of each other in the rankings, this game may very well come down to the final moments of the third period.

February 13th: Toms River North (5-8-2, 80th overall). This is the game I will highlight for the Howell Rebels. This game is what one would call a trap game. The Mariners have a had a more-than-forgettable season, and defeating the Rebels in Wall would make up for the sub-par play they displayed this year. The Rebels will have to be on their toes all night, especially early, as Toms River North will look to come out on the attack right out of the locker room.

February 17th: At Manasquan (4-11, 112th overall). If the Rebels win the aforementioned six games, this one should be a breeze. The Big Blue Warriors don't have much to account for on the defensive side of the puck, so it shouldn't take long for Ramos, Pyskaty and the rest of Howell to find the net and dominate this game.

If Howell can find a way to win or tie all six of those games, they put themselves in position to make another run at the Dowd Cup, and maybe even strike deep into the state playoffs.