In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the boys hockey team emerged victorious over West Essex in a 5-1 defeat. The clash between these two hockey powerhouses unfolded in the Richard J. Codey Arena, with Westfield showcasing their strength to secure their second win of the season.
From the opening faceoff, Westfield set the tone for the game with a relentless offensive strategy. The Blue Devils demonstrated remarkable communication and precision, creating opportunities to penetrate West Essex’s defense. Despite a slow start, Westfield was still able to find their rhythm as the game progressed. Coach Joe Bertucci felt that, “the first quarter wasn’t good and we were fortunate to come out with a tie, but the second and third period were much better. This was just one of those games we had trouble getting up for.”
After seven minutes of back and forth, sophomore Andrew Lisnock was able to break away from the West Essex defense and secure one in the net. The team’s offensive, marked by swift passes and strategic positioning, kept West Essex on the defensive throughout the rest of the match.
Westfield’s goalie, senior Andrew Raber, showcased exceptional skill, blocking numerous attempts by West Essex to narrow the point gap. “We came out a bit rocky in the first period and we didn’t play like ourselves,” Raber said. “We came in thinking we were gonna roll over the team, which you can’t do in hockey, especially in this conference.”
The camaraderie among the Blue Devils was evident and was a major factor in their victory. Senior captain Alex Ebel agreed that they had a rough start, but felt that their mentality was the most important thing. “We need to remember what type of team we are, how we work and what we do well, that’s what contributed to our domination later in the game.”
The shared celebration of goals, the synchronized movements during power plays and the encouraging shouts from the bench were reflected in their pursuit of victory. Westfield’s defeat of West Essex was generated by the team’s solid group effort, including senior Kolby Azzaretto and sophomore Tyler Bergman’s first varsity goal.
After the second period, it was evident to fans that Westfield had this game in their hands. As the final buzzer sounded, Westfield emerged triumphant. The win not only added a crucial mark in the team’s record but also solidified their standing as a force to be reckoned with in the high school hockey circuit.
Westfield takes on Cranford this Wednesday at Warinanco Park, where they plan to continue their winning record and their reputation in the Union County Conference.
