2/17 -- Game Recap

Final Score: Howell Rebels (13-3-4) 4, Manasquan Warriors (6-14-1) 0.

Game Summary: In a game that is best described as uneventful on senior night for the Rebels and the Warriors, it was Howell that dominated in virtually every aspect of the game, eventually winning 4-0.

Manasquan, although severely over-matched, did an amazing job on the defensive end in for the first period and the majority of the second as well. It wasn't until 10:55 of the second period when Howell captain Dave Ramos put the Rebels on the board putting in a snap shot from the low slot after the Rebels bombarded the Warriors with shots. Later in the period, with 1:11 left in the period, Brandon Hodes poked in a rebound to give Howell the 2-0 lead heading into the intermission.

The third period was a breeze for Howell, who controlled play once again. With 4:14 remaining, Nick Peras put home a goal giving the Rebels a 3-0 lead, and under a minute, hard-working and well-respected senior Nick Barone nailed home his first goal of the season, as Howell would eventually win 4-0.

Following the game, 'The Rebellion' was awarded for their support all season, being saluted by the Rebels players.

What went right: There wasn't much that went on, Wednesday night, but in the end, the Howell Rebels took care of business--regardless of how ugly it was. Obviously, head coach Bill Daley played all the seniors (even though he had trouble spelling the names before the game) a move that is expected on senior night. Excellent games all night from Ramos, Eddie Pyskaty, Brandon Hodes and Billy Acquaviva, as they all circulated the puck very well. In the defensive zone, Jon Glover was very impressive along with Matt Schiek and Matt Morelli.

Playoffs: It appears that the Howell Rebels are getting hot at the perfect time. Ending the season with two convincing wins against Middletown North and Manasquan, the Rebels will enter the Shore Conference Tournament with a record of 13-3-4. Earlier in the year, many were speculating that Howell, who consistently tied teams and couldn't seem to put any away, wouldn't make any type of run in either the Shore Conference Tournament, or state playoffs. Now, with seniors Dave Ramos, Nick Peras and Billy Acquaviva playing their final high school games, Howell is a team that some may pick as the favorite to repeat as Dowd Cup champions--and they should. They've had this talent all season long, and finally, they are clicking as a championship-capable team should.
If there was a team to compare them to, the best fit would be...
...The 2008-2009 Howell Rebels.

"I love coming to the hockey games, they are great."
-Ashley Russo, senior fan

"Howell Hockey has never been about the game itself. It is about the connections you make with the players, camaraderie you feel with fellow Rebellion members, and a sense of acceptance amongst everybody who attends."
-Bobby Grimes, senior, leader of 'The Rebellion'