2/16 -- Game Recap

Final Score: Howell Rebels (12-3-4) 6, Middletown North Lions (8-8-4) 1

Game Summary: A four goal second period would eventually propel the Rebels past Middletown North on Tuesday night. Against a Shore 'A' team, few predicted such a lopsided victory for Howell, but even the score doesn't dictate how the Rebels dominated this game.

The first period ended with a 1-0 lead for Howell off of Eddie Pyskaty's rebound off of a Dave Ramos shot that slammed off the post. In the second, goals from Ramos, Michael Koshenash, Mike Liero on his 17th birthday, and Ramos again would put this game out of reach. Not much to really discuss in the third period. Nick Peras would score to give Howell a 6-0 advantage before the Lions would score a garbage goal with the Rebels back-ups in.

Matt Guerrera was magnificient on the blue line, dishing out the body all night long. He proved time and time again why he is an important asset to this team.

There was no better way to cap off the victory then senior Joe Filipkowski. In his first varsity shift, the lanky defensemen displayed some shifty moves and incredible stick-handling, all-the-while dishing out some bone-crunching hits. Very impressive play from him.

What went right: For Howell, there is one major reason why they won rather convincingly, Tuesday night. Five of the six goals were scored on the man-advantage, an element that the Rebels used often early in the season. However, throughout the season, drawing penalties seemed to slow down, and fittingly, so did the play of the team. But on this night, that was back on their side, and they displayed one of the most dangerous power plays in the conference. With Ramos and Pyskaty running the point, the men down low were open for several good looks, almost all of them resulting in goals.

What it all means: There have been times earlier in the season when I've made the statement: Howell hockey is back--but there's no better time to say it then now. In a game against a team that many considered better, playing in the highly-respected Shore 'A', the Rebels dominated from the opening puck drop to the final whistle. Howell out-skated, out-hit, out-shot and simply out-played their opponent and deserved to win with a five goal margin. Of course, there really is no better time for the Rebels to start heat up with the Shore Conference Tournament beginning Sunday night.