Stepping up When it Matters

By: Dan Kazanjian

One of the major factors that has contributed to Howell's success over the past two years has been talent. Last year as an expansion team, the Rebels had a brand new head coach and group of players who had never played together before. Still Howell made a remarkable, storybook run that no one including myself could have ever anticipated. But this was largely due to that key ingredient to winning: talent. From former players like Moscowitz and Gaskill, to current players like Ramos and Pyskaty, their knowledge and feel for the game has propelled Howell to where they are today.

Well this year Howell has dramatically changed their style of play. Losing scoring threat Mark Moscowitz Howell has relied on hustle and physicality to take down their oppenents. And hey, it has worked very very well to this point. One of the X-factors for the Rebels this year has been Junior forward Mike Leiro. Leiro, after playing on the first line last season, has assumed the role that Howell lost with Moscowitz's departure, and become a serious scoring threat. It seems to me that all season, whenever someone asked who scored the goals Leiro was always in the conversation. But in last nights shore conference playoff bout the Howell faithful held their breath as Leiro left the ice, holding what seemed to be his elbow. Sources quickly conformed that the Junior had dislocated his shoulder and fractured his clavicle, side-lining him for the rest of the season. So what were the Rebels to do after losing such a serious weapon? They would turn to these young guns to mature right before their eyes.

1. Matt Morelli: Kotchhhhh!!! has always been a common cry in Wall Sports Arena. The small yet hard-nosed defensmen was a fan favorite and probably Howell's #2 defensman before he also suffered a collar-bone injury weeks ago. Since then the Rebels have turned to Morelli to hold up the defense. Not only is he doing this, but he has also shown an offensive mind, putting pucks on net that lead to scoring opportunities. Howell will need him to continue his solid play down the stretch.

2. Michael Koschenash: This Junior forward transferred from CBA with high expectations (especially from Captain Dave Ramos). After seeing limited icetime in the beginning of the season, boy has this kid stepped up. Game after game it seems that he is in the right place at the right time and he has become a scoring presence for Howell. With the loss of Leiro Koschenash will be key to put the puck in the net.

3. Brian George: George is a kid that is a very quiet player on the ice but he also makes serious contributions to the team. Last game in particular, the Junior Forward has flew around the ice and made a name for himself in the Howell Bleachers. Again with the loss of Leiro, the Rebels need him to put pucks in the net.

4. John Glover (I think his name is John?): I show this uncertainty becasue no one has really heard much of Glover. I watched him in JV last year and was very impressed with his play. Now, with an opportunity to play defense at the Varsity level, Glover has become a huge part of the team, allowing Pyskaty and Shiek to take a breather without any worry of a defensive breakdown. This young kid will have to overcome his nerves and keep doing what he is doing to keep Howell's run alive.

All of these players are crucial to Howell's success. As they roll into the tough Toms River South, on Wedensay, 7:30 ET they will need the young guns to step up. Are they ready? We will see.