1/3--The Overview

In a season where many say Howell hasn't played up to expectations, the Rebels are still a first place team--and a program that every opponent comes gunning for.
The reason may not be all about Dave Ramos, as it was in their inaugural season, but he is a bigger part than most people think.
Day after day, game after game, Ramos is hounded by defensemen, something one of the best forwards in the state should be accustomed to. Still, despite the lack of points, Ramos still creates scoring chances, not only for himself, but for other players, his linemates in particular. Because he has drawn several defenders almost everytime he touches the puck, first-liners Mike Liero and Billy Acquaviva have stepped up into a major-goal scoring role. Liero has had back-to-back hatricks, wheras for Acquaviva, scoring has become common place.
Another big part of the Rebels success this season has been their powerplay. Howell runs a very dangerous powerplay, which features five true forwards, although Pyskaty is listed as a defensemen. The set includes Ramos, Eddie Pyskaty, Mike Liero, Billy Acquaviva, and Nick Peras. Peras has been the scorer in this unit, usually deflecting shots in front of the net. This combination is especially dangerous due to the ability of all five men to play any position (ie: the point, slot, down low). Down the stretch, this special teams unit will play a major role in Howell's ability to score, and there are very few teams who have a powerplay that can match the Rebels'.
The goaltending situation has been a little tricky for Howell this season. Last year's regular starter, Zack Peras, started out phenomonally, with a shutout victory against Brick Memorial on opening night. However, the sophomore netminder struggled after that and was benched in favor on James Bodeker, who looked solid in a few outings this season. After earning his starting job back, Peras suffered a concussion, and has been sidelined ever since. Third-string goalie Kyle Conrad has stepped in when Howell has needed him most and has impressed everyone with back-to-back solid starts against St John Vianney and Freehold Boro. Although Conrad may very well eventually challenge Peras for the starting job, I still see this as Peras' job--but I do think some goaltender competition is exactly what this team needs.
Before you say 6-1-3 isn't up to Howell expectations, think about the situation, and how Howell, in mant ways, has played up to--if not over--expectations.