Howell Loses Heartbreaker to Midd South, Falls to 5-1-0 on the Season

by Rob Ferraioli, Mark Ferrante

Howell hockey fans were not disappointed with Tuesdays game vs Middletown South despite the disappointing 2-1 result. This prime-time match-up between two of the top five publics in New Jersey featured hitting, skill, goal-tending, and of course two great fan bases.

After trading chances in the first period but not finishing, Midd South started the scoring with a great goal by defenseman Jimmy Burns. The Eagles struck again to make it 2-0, but the Rebels would answer with ten seconds left in the second period on Mike Kochenash’s eleventh goal of the season.

The third period was full of wide open opportunities, three posts were hit, (two by Howell, one by Midd South), but the biggest factor in this game was the sensational play of the two goalies, Midd’s Chris “Crispy” Marsillo and Howell’s Zack Peras. Marsillo played great, accumulating three breakaway saves and several lightning-quick post to post saves, flashing his inner Roberto Luongo.

Unfortunately, Howell fell short 2-1, but were are a lot of positives that came out of this game:
-Howell played their heart out all night, worked for every loose puck, and never gave up on a play.
-Defense held its own against one of the best offenses in the state of New Jersey.
-Howell PROVED it could keep up with, if not outplay one of the best teams in the state. (they tied CBA 2-2).


Unsung hero: Brandon Hodes
Hodes played in all situations (PK, PP and 4 on 4) and proved why he deserves the captaincy. We here at the Howell hockey blog love blue collar hockey, Hodes was the epitome of that last night. Well Done.


3 stars
1) Trevor Heuser- Heuser played great defense throughout, and for the most part, shut down Midd South’s high potent offense. Hueser has been impressing EVERYONE this far into the season.
2) Zack Peras- Kept the Rebels in the game for the most part, played well.
3) Mike Kochenash-Put Howell back in the game with a snipe as time was ticking down on the 2nd period.


Rebel Stars Leaderboard
1) Pyskaty - 7 points
2) Leiro - 4 Points
3) Kochenash - 4 points


Fan Of the Game - Howell’s Fanbase!
In an unanimous decision, the “fan” of the game, goes to the entire fanbase.There were a lot of great fans there last night, twenty or so tailgaters, seniors home from college, kids missing work to come. Awesome chants, and awesome tailgate everyone.


Whats Next For Howell?
After tonight’s rematch with Wall, Howell plays in the “Bridgewater Holiday Tournament” from December 26th to December 30th. Shorty after that comes the highly anticipated match between Howell and the defending public state champions, Toms River South. This game should be another great test for Howell, as TRS has regressed a bit since their championship win, but regardless, it should be a good game.


Season Record: 5-1-0
Overall Record: 40-9-7


Freshman Quote on Tuesdays 2-1 loss against Middletown South

“We played well overall, just need to put up more than one goal, Peras played great.” - #2 Frankie Gerbasi


Box Score:
M. Kochenash: 1 goal | 1 point


2010 Goal Leaders
1) M. Kochenash - 11
2) M. Leiro - 10
3) E.Pyskaty 9
4) T. Hueser 4
5) F. Gerbasi 3