Time to Repeat

On Sunday, February 21st, the Howell Rebels (13-3-4) begin their post-season play in the first round of the Shore Conference Tournament and are expected to play either Rumson or Southern (the final word won't be released until Saturday night).

In a season filled with revenge-filled victories from the previous season, heart-breaking losses, and a few more ties than people really expected, the Howell Rebels put themselves in the position they wanted to be in: a chance to repeat as Dowd Cup champions.

Last season, few opponents and opposing coaches knew of the abilities of Rebels' captain Dave Ramos. Because of that, Ramos lead the Rebels in a dream season that witnessed Howell's 19-win season and watched them become winner's of the Dowd Cup; with Ramos compiling 97 points on 53 goals and 44 assists in the 24-game long season.

This season, things were different--opponents of Howell came prepared. From the first game-on, Ramos has been shadowed by every team, stopping him from being the same dominant player from last year.

Early in the season, junior defensemen Eddie Pyskaty carried Howell until teams caught on to his offensive ability, and he was defended as well. Throughout the season, Billy Acquaviva, Mike Liero, Nick Peras and Brandon Hodes have picked up goals whenever Ramos or Pyskaty haven't been able to break free.

Now, in the playoffs, the Rebels need to regain the playoff magic that was evident last February. If Howell wants to take that victory lap once again, this time at Winding River Arena in Toms River, it will ultimately come down to Ramos and Pyskaty.

There's no doubt that Ramos will be shadowed. something he's become accustomed to, and Pyskaty may be as well. Regardless, if these two players, who were recently named first team all-division, create consistent scoring chances, and put the puck in the net, the Rebels will be virtually impossible to beat.

On the defensive end, sophomore goaltender Zack Peras needs to play the way he did as the season ended--but he's going to need the same defense in front of him as well. With Pyskaty, who plays on both ends, in front of him, Peras has arguably the most talented defenseman in the conference. With Matt Kotch still out six more weeks because of a broken collarbone, Jon Glover has become a huge part of this team. Undersized, much like Kotch, Glover plays smart, defensive hockey, something this Howell team needs after the struggles late in the third period earlier in the season. On February 16th, in a 6-1 win against Middletown North, the Rebels surrendered just five total shots on net, and it was because of tremendous defense from both Pyskaty and Glover.

As for Peras, if the defense in front of him is at least adequate, he won't have too many problems and certainly won't have a game like he did in the Dowd Cup finals last season, where he was benched late in the second period.

Still, the key to this team is the blue-collar second liners. If Howell wants to advance, Brandon Hodes, Billy Acquaviva and Nick Peras need to keep the pressure up while Ramos is resting on the bench. If they don't give opposing defensemen and goalies a break the Rebels will not lose.

As for me and my fellow fans, also known as 'The Rebellion', we wouldn't mind seeing another Dowd Cup championship.