The Blue Devils held nothing back as they finished the sectional semifinal round with a 8-0 win over Hillsborough. After senior assistant captain Jackson Chicola scored back-to-back goals, the Blue Devils energy was at an all-time high as they cruised past the Raiders in the semifinal round, dominating both the offensive and defensive zones.
Coming into the game, senior Luca McLaren, who scored in the previous game against Manalapan, was reported to be out due to a concussion. Junior defenseman Nick Benson who works on McLaren’s line said, “It was really upsetting hearing the news that he couldn’t play with us tonight, but we knew we had to step up without him. His absence is huge so we had to step up, fill his role and do it for him tonight.”
Additionally to McLaren’s injury, the Blue Devils were on the lookout for Nate Bienstock, a junior committed to Quinnipiac, who won the Division I National Championship only 2 years ago, and has an impressive 48 goals and 47 assists this season. Junior goalie Troy Conover said, “Obviously we had a game plan designed to shut him [Bienstock] down and made sure to double team him. We also made sure to not give him too much time and space. Our defense and our forwards knew exactly that and clearly it was successful.”
The Blue Devils were unstoppable on offense, with goals scored from seven different players. Besides Chicola, seniors Jack Conrod, Austen Halleran, Brody Esler and juniors Andrew Lisnock, Tyler Bergman, and Liam Reed all found the back of the net. Head coach Joe Bertucci said, “We jumped out and got an early lead and we just kind of continued to dictate the pace of play. All lines were playing well and putting pucks in the net with purpose. Scoring early for us was huge and the kids played well from start to finish.”
Following Chicola’s back-to-back goals in the first period, the Blue Devils were struck with a wave of confidence that helped propel them to finish the game in dominance. Chicola said, “I think our energy is kind of the biggest thing. I’m so excited to play in these games and we just jump on them early.”
With the win over Hillsborough, the Blue Devils advanced to the NJSIAA sectional final against Monroe at 4:30 p.m. on March 6. Bertucci said, “It’s on to the next. That’s been the mindset every day. Just wash away and move onto the next.”
