Game Recap

Dowd Cup Round 1; Final Score: Howell Rebels (14-3-4) 3, Jackson Memorial Jaguars (12-10-2) 1

Game Summary: Who knew it would take a major goal scorer to go down for the Howell Rebels to rejuvenate the fourth-seeded Rebels against Jackson Memorial, seeded fifth, in the first round of the Dowd Cup.

With the score tied at one in the first period, Howell forward Mike Liero went down with a broken collarbone and dislocated elbow, unable to return. In his place would be transfer forward Michael Kochenash with big shoes to fill.

Oh, he was up to the challenge.

With just under ten minutes remaining in the second period, Kochenash would tap-in the go-ahead goal for the Rebels and Howell would never look back. Later in that period, Brian George would bury home a rebound goal, giving Howell a 3-1 lead---the eventual final tally as the Rebels advance to the second round of the Dowd Cup, and will play Wednesday night against the winner of Toms River South and Manasquan.

What went right: Everyone in the building, players included, knew what was going to happen on this night. Anywhere that '11' and '77' in white went, do did two defenders in black. Dave Ramos and Eddie Pyskaty, widely recognized as two of the best playmakers and finishers in the conference, were prepared to be shadowed by opposing defenders all night. Because of that, they, and their teammates, knew it was going to be tough for them to get good shots and decent looks at the net.

Instead, it was the role players who stepped up big, scoring all three goals. Nick Peras, Michael Kochenash and Brian George all delivered, playing roles bigger than even they could have imagined. Although Peras has seen significant ice time all year, his goal to put Howell up early was the confidence booster this team needed.

In the second, Kochenash and George putting home rebounds were just what the Rebels would need. Mind you, Howell has never been one to win pretty--and they don't intend to change that. They'll win anyway they can, even if it means working deep in the trenches of the crease all night long.

Movin' on: With this win, the fourth-seeded Howell Rebels will face the winner of Toms River South (1) and Manasquan (8), who play tomorrow. Howell faced both of these teams in the regular season--defeating both. On January 14th, behind a four-goal third period, the Rebels came from behind to beat the Indians of Toms River South, 5-4. Last Saturday, on senior night, Howell disposed of Manasquan, despite struggling to score with just four goals on forty-five shots.

Regardless of who Howell does eventually play Wednesday night in the second round, their A-game will be a requirement if they want to make a repeating trip back to the Dowd Cup final.

If you can recall, that ended up pretty good for them last year.