State Playoffs, Round 3; 3) Randolph Rams 9, 11) Howell Rebels 0
Game Summary: For the final seven minutes and forty-two seconds at Mennan Arena, more than sixty miles from Howell, Sunday night, the 60-some Rebels' fans could not have been prouder of the 11th-seeded Howell hockey program.
In a third round match-up against a team that was flat-out better than Howell, the Rebels struggled in several ways in a 9-0 defeat. Still, there was two phases of the game that Randolph did not top Howell in: hustle and heart.
Against a team who was quicker, stronger, more talented, and simply, better, they did not out-hustle the Rebels. In previous games, many people called out Howell because a lack of effort, and hustle and heart.
No, not on this night.
A ten goal lead in a high school hockey game is ended short in a 'mercy.' At the 7:28 point of the third period, the Rebels gave up a goal, forcing them to be trailing by nine. Instead of giving in, they fought to the final whistle and did not give up, and did not allow another goal--forcing their dedicated fans to stay.
Rip Howell for not being prepared for this game, or simply not talented enough, but on this night, it's impossible to charge the Rebels with not trying, because they did that and more.
Summing it up: In a season that has been described much like a roller coaster, the Howell Rebels defied the odds in post-season play, much like the previous season. There were the great moments, and there were the ones that made the fans want to cringe, but in the end, there was nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it was the opposite as the buzzer rang at Mennan Arena. Every Rebels' fan was proud of what this team accomplished in just their second season, as it was a major improvement from the year before.
There was hostility.
There was love.
But, hey, that's what families are made of--and the relationship between the players and fans was nothing short of a family-type relationship.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Untitled (because words cannot explain what happened)
Last season, when the Howell Rebels varsity ice hockey team surprised everyone in the Shore Conference by winning the Dowd Cup as a first-year team, everyone deemed the it a 'dream season'.
This year, the Rebels are amplifying that term by 10,000 decibels.
Despite falling short in the Dowd Cup (and falling short is an understatement), Howell, who is seeded 11th in the state tournament, has shockingly advanced to the third round, or quarterfinals of states, in this, their second season.
In a season that has witnessed Howell blow five third-period leads, suffer several season-ending injuries to key players, and saw the Rebels inability to win the division of conference tournament, a lurking state championship would feel that much better.
Let's face facts. In the remaining games that Howell will play (there's a maximum of three), the Rebels will not be favored, and all the teams they play won't consider them a true state-champion contender, starting with the third-seeded Rams from Randolph.
There is every reason to consider Howell a state champion contender.
Look, we all know that winning is, in reality, the result of having one thing: talent. In terms of individual talent, the two men who are responsible for Howell tying--and winning--Thursday night have as much talent that the Rebels will need. With nearly five minutes remaining in regulation to Pyskaty's overtime goal, he and Dave Ramos did not come off the ice--and for good reason. Everyone at Wall on that night knew that if Howell wanted to advance to the third round of the state playoffs, it would be because of them.
And it was.
Aside from talent, heart is essential to a championship-worthy team. Everyone on this team has it, along with everyone in the crowd. For the first time, we all truly witnessed Howell hockey representing an entire town, and it was evident that the town returned the favor, taking serious pride in the boys in blue and grey. As the Rebels took the ice, there was an emotion throughout the bleachers that made the game feel even more special than it already was--it made everyone feel as if we were guaranteed this wouldn't be the last game of the season for the 2009-2010 Howell Rebels.
When Howell takes the ice at Mennan Arena Sunday evening, nearly 60 miles from the rural, laid-back township of Howell, the pride that comes with wearing that Rebel on the front of the jersey will be back, and as every player looks up to the nearly 400 fans who made the treacherous trip, by car or bus, they'll understand it.
Surely, as Pyskaty flew up the wing, puck on stick, with just the goalie to beat, with the 700 fans in attendance collectively holding their breath, it was obvious.
There's a reason all of us are here, in this town, for this team, together: to win a state championship.
This year, the Rebels are amplifying that term by 10,000 decibels.
Despite falling short in the Dowd Cup (and falling short is an understatement), Howell, who is seeded 11th in the state tournament, has shockingly advanced to the third round, or quarterfinals of states, in this, their second season.
In a season that has witnessed Howell blow five third-period leads, suffer several season-ending injuries to key players, and saw the Rebels inability to win the division of conference tournament, a lurking state championship would feel that much better.
Let's face facts. In the remaining games that Howell will play (there's a maximum of three), the Rebels will not be favored, and all the teams they play won't consider them a true state-champion contender, starting with the third-seeded Rams from Randolph.
There is every reason to consider Howell a state champion contender.
Look, we all know that winning is, in reality, the result of having one thing: talent. In terms of individual talent, the two men who are responsible for Howell tying--and winning--Thursday night have as much talent that the Rebels will need. With nearly five minutes remaining in regulation to Pyskaty's overtime goal, he and Dave Ramos did not come off the ice--and for good reason. Everyone at Wall on that night knew that if Howell wanted to advance to the third round of the state playoffs, it would be because of them.
And it was.
Aside from talent, heart is essential to a championship-worthy team. Everyone on this team has it, along with everyone in the crowd. For the first time, we all truly witnessed Howell hockey representing an entire town, and it was evident that the town returned the favor, taking serious pride in the boys in blue and grey. As the Rebels took the ice, there was an emotion throughout the bleachers that made the game feel even more special than it already was--it made everyone feel as if we were guaranteed this wouldn't be the last game of the season for the 2009-2010 Howell Rebels.
When Howell takes the ice at Mennan Arena Sunday evening, nearly 60 miles from the rural, laid-back township of Howell, the pride that comes with wearing that Rebel on the front of the jersey will be back, and as every player looks up to the nearly 400 fans who made the treacherous trip, by car or bus, they'll understand it.
Surely, as Pyskaty flew up the wing, puck on stick, with just the goalie to beat, with the 700 fans in attendance collectively holding their breath, it was obvious.
There's a reason all of us are here, in this town, for this team, together: to win a state championship.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Game Recap
State Playoffs, Round 2; Final Score: 11) Howell Rebels 4, 6) Middletown South Eagles, 3 (overtime)
Game Summary: There are no words to captivate what would happen Thursday night in the second round match-up between the Howell Rebels and Middletown South Eagles.
With a little over twenty-seven seconds remaining, potentially in Howell's season, the Rebels made it their mission ot get to overtime. Dave Ramos would bury home a rebound with 27.7 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the game at three and sending the teams into overtime.
In the final period, the first one in Howell hockey history by the way, Ramos found defensemen Eddie Pyskaty flying down the wing and hit him with a pass. Pyskaty would out-skate the last defensemen for Middletown South and beat the Eagles goalie top shelf, thus scoring the game-winning goal in the sudden death extra period, just 2:57 in.
The game-winner was Pyskaty's second of the game. He also scored the first goal of the game, a similar situation in which he was alone with the goalie--that time he went back-hand.
All night, Middletown South hung with Howell, although Howell had the upper hand for most of the night. Pyskaty and Nick Peras, who scored a power play deflection goal gave Howell leads in the first and second periods.
In the first meeting, Middletown South came back in the third period to win 4-3.
Tonight, it was time to play role reversal.
Head coach Bill Daley supported his word following the seeding for states, stating that the second round would be 'comeback time'.
What went right: For Howell, in a game filled with emotion from both the players and fans, they did practically everything right. Controlling emotions in a game like this is hard. Controlling emotions against a team whose trying to pick fights after every play in the state playoffs is even harder. The Rebels were on top of their game tonight, with some great puck movement and big goals all night. Despite controlling the game, it was Howell who found themselves scrambling for that game-tying goal late in the game--of course they did it without breaking a sweat.
Well, that's not entirely true.
On a serious note, with their season on the line, Howell scored the big goals that would send them to the next round of the playoffs, and send the Eagles home--and that's what counts at the end of the day.
What's Next: On Sunday, the Howell Rebels will take on the defending state-champions: Randolph Rams at Mennen Arena. Certainly, Howell will play the role of underdog yet again, considering the Rams are the 3rd seed--but that seems to be what pushes Howell. This game has all the potential to be even better than tonight's epic duel, and, if they win, the 11th-seeded Howell Rebels will punch their ticket to the semi-finals of the state playoffs.
Game Summary: There are no words to captivate what would happen Thursday night in the second round match-up between the Howell Rebels and Middletown South Eagles.
With a little over twenty-seven seconds remaining, potentially in Howell's season, the Rebels made it their mission ot get to overtime. Dave Ramos would bury home a rebound with 27.7 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the game at three and sending the teams into overtime.
In the final period, the first one in Howell hockey history by the way, Ramos found defensemen Eddie Pyskaty flying down the wing and hit him with a pass. Pyskaty would out-skate the last defensemen for Middletown South and beat the Eagles goalie top shelf, thus scoring the game-winning goal in the sudden death extra period, just 2:57 in.
The game-winner was Pyskaty's second of the game. He also scored the first goal of the game, a similar situation in which he was alone with the goalie--that time he went back-hand.
All night, Middletown South hung with Howell, although Howell had the upper hand for most of the night. Pyskaty and Nick Peras, who scored a power play deflection goal gave Howell leads in the first and second periods.
In the first meeting, Middletown South came back in the third period to win 4-3.
Tonight, it was time to play role reversal.
Head coach Bill Daley supported his word following the seeding for states, stating that the second round would be 'comeback time'.
What went right: For Howell, in a game filled with emotion from both the players and fans, they did practically everything right. Controlling emotions in a game like this is hard. Controlling emotions against a team whose trying to pick fights after every play in the state playoffs is even harder. The Rebels were on top of their game tonight, with some great puck movement and big goals all night. Despite controlling the game, it was Howell who found themselves scrambling for that game-tying goal late in the game--of course they did it without breaking a sweat.
Well, that's not entirely true.
On a serious note, with their season on the line, Howell scored the big goals that would send them to the next round of the playoffs, and send the Eagles home--and that's what counts at the end of the day.
What's Next: On Sunday, the Howell Rebels will take on the defending state-champions: Randolph Rams at Mennen Arena. Certainly, Howell will play the role of underdog yet again, considering the Rams are the 3rd seed--but that seems to be what pushes Howell. This game has all the potential to be even better than tonight's epic duel, and, if they win, the 11th-seeded Howell Rebels will punch their ticket to the semi-finals of the state playoffs.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Was it Really Just a Loss?
On Thursday night at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, the Howell Rebels will face-off against Middletown South in the second round of the state playoffs.
Just those two teams in the same sentence together should make any typical fan cringe, nonetheless sitting together in the same section of the same bracket.
For those of you who can't remember, on January 30th, the Middletown South Eagles stormed back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Howell Rebels 4-3 at Gold Coast Arena. That game was so much more than a loss, however.
Whether it was the fact that my posts were 'too hard' on the players in assuming that they were out-of-shape after their fifth blown lead in the third period, or the fact that losses were just uncommon in Howell territory, there was certainly hostility in Rebel country.
While many feel it was a bad time for Howell, now, it's evident that it was better. In the wake of what was noted as the toughest time throughout the two years of Howell hockey, it's time to realize it was actually good.
Considering that this team had never gone through that much trouble--or any serious--adversity, there was no better time for them to start. The fans thought extremely highly of the players, and the favor was returned as the players were appreciative of the fans.
After that night, it all changed.
Fans would take up the same assumption that players didn't work for their success, and the players started to realize the fans were only there when they were good, when they were putting up banners.
Following that night--and several blizzards--the Rebels would be back in action, and finished off some unworthy opponents rather easily. In the Dowd Cup, they would be ousted heavily in the second round, as everyone is aware.
But now, over a month since that heart-breaking loss against the Eagles, it's time to observe: what did everyone learn?
Did the players learn to play how they feel they should and not listen to writers or fans?
Did the fans learn to support their team and not causing adversity, because, hey, that is my job?
But most importantly, did everyone learn that there is a reason why these teams will face-off in the second round of thew state playoffs, a place that the Rebels have never gone past?
Revenge.
That's what Howell is in for, and, in the end, a victory tomorrow night will make all the problems go away from players to fans and to everything else.
Winning solves everything.
Just those two teams in the same sentence together should make any typical fan cringe, nonetheless sitting together in the same section of the same bracket.
For those of you who can't remember, on January 30th, the Middletown South Eagles stormed back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Howell Rebels 4-3 at Gold Coast Arena. That game was so much more than a loss, however.
Whether it was the fact that my posts were 'too hard' on the players in assuming that they were out-of-shape after their fifth blown lead in the third period, or the fact that losses were just uncommon in Howell territory, there was certainly hostility in Rebel country.
While many feel it was a bad time for Howell, now, it's evident that it was better. In the wake of what was noted as the toughest time throughout the two years of Howell hockey, it's time to realize it was actually good.
Considering that this team had never gone through that much trouble--or any serious--adversity, there was no better time for them to start. The fans thought extremely highly of the players, and the favor was returned as the players were appreciative of the fans.
After that night, it all changed.
Fans would take up the same assumption that players didn't work for their success, and the players started to realize the fans were only there when they were good, when they were putting up banners.
Following that night--and several blizzards--the Rebels would be back in action, and finished off some unworthy opponents rather easily. In the Dowd Cup, they would be ousted heavily in the second round, as everyone is aware.
But now, over a month since that heart-breaking loss against the Eagles, it's time to observe: what did everyone learn?
Did the players learn to play how they feel they should and not listen to writers or fans?
Did the fans learn to support their team and not causing adversity, because, hey, that is my job?
But most importantly, did everyone learn that there is a reason why these teams will face-off in the second round of thew state playoffs, a place that the Rebels have never gone past?
Revenge.
That's what Howell is in for, and, in the end, a victory tomorrow night will make all the problems go away from players to fans and to everything else.
Winning solves everything.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
One Game to Prove it All
By: Dan Kazanjian
It is hard to believe that my days with Howell High School Hockey are coming to an end. I remember like it was yesterday, watching the Rebels get embarrassed in their first ever game against Brick Memorial. And oh how far we have come since then.
34-8-5. What do those numbers mean to you? This was a team that was thrown together a couple months before the season started, and Howell hockey has been able to accomplish this staggering record over the past two seasons. It is amazing to say the absolute least and the great thing is, it's not over yet.
Monday night Howell embraced the challenge that I put out to them in my last post. In the state palyoff game vs the West Windsor Pirates, Howell put on a show, dazzling the fans and most importantly showing what means the most to me: heart. Coming off the heartbreaking loss in the shore conference semi-finals, Howell came out with a purpose and they refused to make this game their last. Young players always need leaders to look up to, an oh did these leaders step up. Captains Eddy Pyskaty and Dave Ramos played seemingly flawless, controlling play and accounting for 3 goals between the two. Probably the most impressive was the play alternate captain Nick Peras. In a career that has been defined by big-hits and penalties, Peras played like an all-around player, and truly changed this game. He constantly crashed the net and swarmed the puck, blocking shots that surely left a mark for the sake of a vicotry. And lets not forget, he also had his econd hat-trick of the season, getting the Rebels on the board early and often. All in all this was for sure one of the best games that Howell has played in awhile, and it happened at just the right time.
What's next for the Rebels can prove to be a game that can make their season a success. On thursday night they will face off against the winner of Jackson and Middletown South, most likely the Midd South Eagles. In their last game against Midd South, Howell blew a 3rd period lead and suffered one of their four losses on the year. This is the chance that every player has been looking for. The chance to knock off a top team and once again solydify Howell as a top team in the state. This could very well be the last game for the senior players and the fans. I know for a fact that the character of this team will show on thursday night. So seniors, how do you want to be remembered? Fifteen years down the road, how do you want to explain your last ever game to your kids? Whatever happens just do this one thing for me and for every fan that has come out to watch you for two years. Leave it all on the ice.
It is hard to believe that my days with Howell High School Hockey are coming to an end. I remember like it was yesterday, watching the Rebels get embarrassed in their first ever game against Brick Memorial. And oh how far we have come since then.
34-8-5. What do those numbers mean to you? This was a team that was thrown together a couple months before the season started, and Howell hockey has been able to accomplish this staggering record over the past two seasons. It is amazing to say the absolute least and the great thing is, it's not over yet.
Monday night Howell embraced the challenge that I put out to them in my last post. In the state palyoff game vs the West Windsor Pirates, Howell put on a show, dazzling the fans and most importantly showing what means the most to me: heart. Coming off the heartbreaking loss in the shore conference semi-finals, Howell came out with a purpose and they refused to make this game their last. Young players always need leaders to look up to, an oh did these leaders step up. Captains Eddy Pyskaty and Dave Ramos played seemingly flawless, controlling play and accounting for 3 goals between the two. Probably the most impressive was the play alternate captain Nick Peras. In a career that has been defined by big-hits and penalties, Peras played like an all-around player, and truly changed this game. He constantly crashed the net and swarmed the puck, blocking shots that surely left a mark for the sake of a vicotry. And lets not forget, he also had his econd hat-trick of the season, getting the Rebels on the board early and often. All in all this was for sure one of the best games that Howell has played in awhile, and it happened at just the right time.
What's next for the Rebels can prove to be a game that can make their season a success. On thursday night they will face off against the winner of Jackson and Middletown South, most likely the Midd South Eagles. In their last game against Midd South, Howell blew a 3rd period lead and suffered one of their four losses on the year. This is the chance that every player has been looking for. The chance to knock off a top team and once again solydify Howell as a top team in the state. This could very well be the last game for the senior players and the fans. I know for a fact that the character of this team will show on thursday night. So seniors, how do you want to be remembered? Fifteen years down the road, how do you want to explain your last ever game to your kids? Whatever happens just do this one thing for me and for every fan that has come out to watch you for two years. Leave it all on the ice.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Game Recap
State Playoffs, Round 1; Final Score: 11) Howell Rebels 7, 22) West Windsor Plainsboro South Pirates 2'
Game Summary: WALL -- In a game that had all the potential to be their last, Rebels' seniors Nick Peras and Dave Ramos stole the show at Gold Coast Arena, Monday night.
Peras lead all scorers with a hat trick, his second of the season, scoring goals in each period and electrifying 'The Rebellion'.
Dave Ramos also scored twice along with Eddie Pyskaty who scored later in the third period. Rebels' goalie Zack Peras was magnificent throughout the game, allowing just two goals, and earning his second career state playoff victory.
What went right: For Howell in the first round of states, almost everything went right. The 11th-seeded Rebels came out on Monday night with a motive, scoring early and often, putting the game out of reach at the first intermission. Despite only having a two-goal lead, Howell's defense was superb with players blocking shots and terrific play from all the defensemen. On the offensive end, the Rebels were on the power play for the majority of the night and dominated on it--with two man-advantage goals. All three lines were effective throughout the night with goals being scored from each of them. Overall, Howell was a dominant, state-championship-esque team on this night.
What's Next: Nothing is set in stone in terms of who Howell will play, but many have their eye on the 6th-seeded Middletown South Eagles. In the only meeting this season, the Eagles stormed back with two straight goals to defeat the Rebels, despite Howell dominating throughout the game.
This time, however, things are different.
The Rebels fell short, as many know, in the Shore 'B/C' Dowd Cup, while Middletown South beat both Brick and Brick Memorial in their run through the Handchen Cup, the tournament between Shore 'A' teams. If these teams meet, as expected, it will take another terrific game from Howell to advance to the third round of states--a place they have never been before.
Game Summary: WALL -- In a game that had all the potential to be their last, Rebels' seniors Nick Peras and Dave Ramos stole the show at Gold Coast Arena, Monday night.
Peras lead all scorers with a hat trick, his second of the season, scoring goals in each period and electrifying 'The Rebellion'.
Dave Ramos also scored twice along with Eddie Pyskaty who scored later in the third period. Rebels' goalie Zack Peras was magnificent throughout the game, allowing just two goals, and earning his second career state playoff victory.
What went right: For Howell in the first round of states, almost everything went right. The 11th-seeded Rebels came out on Monday night with a motive, scoring early and often, putting the game out of reach at the first intermission. Despite only having a two-goal lead, Howell's defense was superb with players blocking shots and terrific play from all the defensemen. On the offensive end, the Rebels were on the power play for the majority of the night and dominated on it--with two man-advantage goals. All three lines were effective throughout the night with goals being scored from each of them. Overall, Howell was a dominant, state-championship-esque team on this night.
What's Next: Nothing is set in stone in terms of who Howell will play, but many have their eye on the 6th-seeded Middletown South Eagles. In the only meeting this season, the Eagles stormed back with two straight goals to defeat the Rebels, despite Howell dominating throughout the game.
This time, however, things are different.
The Rebels fell short, as many know, in the Shore 'B/C' Dowd Cup, while Middletown South beat both Brick and Brick Memorial in their run through the Handchen Cup, the tournament between Shore 'A' teams. If these teams meet, as expected, it will take another terrific game from Howell to advance to the third round of states--a place they have never been before.
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