Photo Credit: Bri Sotera

The EHL Team was off last week, the Premier Team had one game and hosted the New Jersey Renegades. The Huntsmen were looking to extend their winning streak and win their fifth straight game against New Jersey.

Premier vs Renegades

There was no scoring in the first but both teams had their chances, the Huntsmen led in shots 22-10. At the end of the period PA was called for interference. Early in the 2nd period the Renegades were given a major for boarding which evened things up 4-4. Once the Huntsmen penalty expired, they still had some of the major power play time left. The Huntsmen turned the puck over in the offensive zone and the Renegades scored a shorthanded breakaway goal for the 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, Tristan Fallon crashed the net and sent the puck to Anthony LoGiurato to tie the game 1-1. In the 3rd the Huntsmen ramped up the pressure in the offense zone. Newcomer Cooper Walling found a loose puck in the crease and scored the rebound goal giving the Huntsmen a 2-1 lead. The Huntsmen buckled down defensively and killed off two late New Jersey power plays and won 2-1. Baradgie made 26 saves in the win.

“We had a lot of chances and weren’t able to come up with as many goals as we wanted, but we still controlled the game and got the win, and that’s what matters.” Luca Palachick

“It was a hard fought battle for the entire game. We are right where we want to be and winning games. We have a great locker room right now and everyone is feeling good, but once game time hits, everyone knows to focus up.” Anthony LoGiurato

The win streak has now been extended to 13, and the Huntsmen have won 5 straight against the Renegades. Up next the Huntsmen will be on the road for a two-game series against the Union Jr. Thunder. In the last series against Union, the Huntsmen won 4-3 in overtime, and the next day dominated in an 11-1 victory. Overall, the Huntsmen are 6-0 this season against the Thunder. Last weekend the Thuner lost 4-2 to the Renegades, and 3-0 to the New Jersey 87s.

Here’s what the players had to say about the win streak and the attitude of the team, as the regular season is coming to a close, and playoffs are near.

“We’re all here for a reason, we want to win a championship. We fell short last year, so myself and the other returners are gearing up for another run. We’ve been telling the younger guys that playoffs are different, and anything can happen. We lost our first playoff game to them (Renegades) last year. The win streak is great but once playoffs come, it’ll be a whole new season. We just have to keep working hard and battling and we will be looking good.” Palachick

“We are becoming a family and trusting each other more and more. We trust each other to get the job done and that’s why we are a successful team. We have to continue to work hard every single practice, because you can easily drop a game to anyone in this league if you don’t come out ready to play.” Baradgie

The Huntsmen are 25-6-1 with 51 points which is the 3rd best record in the league. Inside the Mid Atlantic Division, the main threat is the New Jersey 87s, 23-10 with 46points.

            EHL

The Huntsmen will be back in action this weekend. They're looking to get back in the win column after losing to the Philadelphia Little Flyers 4-1 and the New Jersey Bears 6-3. They’ll head back to Flemington Arena this weekend for another matchup with the Bears. The Bears are coming off a shootout loss to Philadelphia Hockey Club 4-3. New Jersey will face the Philadelphia Little Flyers on the road before hosting the Huntsmen. The Bears lead the season series 3-1. With PHC defeating the Bears the Huntsmen are now in last place in the South Division. The Huntsmen have one game left vs PHC this season. With only nine games left to play, points are at a premium.

South Standings

NJB  GP 36  21-10-5  47pts

87s  GP  35  19-11-5  43pts

TMD GP 38  19-5-4   42pts

PLF  GP 37  19-16-2  40pts

PHC  GP 37  15-18-4  34pts

*PAH GP 37  15-19-3  33pts

Schedule

EHL at Bears Sat.  6:30pm

Premier at Thunder Sat.  8:30pm

Premier at Thunder Sun. 3:40pm

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play by Play Announcer