On Dec. 10, WHS boys hockey team faced Livingston and executed a not only decisive, but clinical performance. In their 6-1 home opener win over the Lancers, the Blue Devils showed that when their lines connect, their defense stays organized and their goaltender sees the puck clearly, they are a force to be reckoned with.
From the beginning, Westfield’s quick pace stood out. The forwards pressured Livingston’s blue line while the defensemen moved the puck quickly out of the zone, making crucial plays and assertive saves. Even when the Lancers found pockets of momentum, senior assistant-captain and goalie Troy Conover was able to keep the opponents from finding the back of the net, highlighted by a fully extended diving stop that drew a wave of applause from the crowd.
Senior co-captain Nick Benson, a key presence on defense, noted that the team found success when staying disciplined around their own net. “I think today the defense did a great job breaking the puck out and moving it into the offensive zone to the forwards,” Benson said. “We also did great getting guys out in front of the net, defending the back post to prevent easy tip- ins.”
While the defensive effort limited Livingston’s clean chances, Westfield’s offense continued to generate pressure in many ways. Junior Liam Reed stepped up, using his speed and positioning to produce two goals, furthering the Blue Devils lead.
“We created a lot of scoring opportunities in our offensive zone,” Reed said. “We need to work the puck to the defense more and use them as part of our offense so our front line can position themselves properly.”
Reed’s play reflected the team’s overall mindset, one built on smart decisions, steady play and a commitment to involve every skater on offense. Juniors Chris Smok and Liam Duffy each added a goal of their own, while senior co-captain Andrew Lisnock and junior Ryan Droskoski both contributed with timely scoring that kept the Lancers trailing.
Head coach Joseph Bertucci credited the team’s early game execution, something he has emphasized since the start of the season. “We talked about getting off to a fast start and putting the puck in on the first shift, which we’ve now done in our first three games of the year,” Bertucci said. “We made sure not to give anything up and continued to put pressure on their defense even after gaining that quick two-goal lead.”
Despite the high-scoring victory, Bertucci was clear that there was still much for the team to improve on as the season progresses. Bertucci said, “I thought we gave up too many shots in this game; we have to be more disciplined defensively and work on our system.” These corrections will help to facilitate the Blue Devils’ climb towards their full potential.
The Blue Devils look to continue this positive momentum as they face rivals Governor Livingston at 8:35 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Warinanco.
