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.