Howell Wins Impressivley over Indians

TOMS RIVER -- For the second time in as many weeks, the Howell Rebels faced an opponent they needed to perform well against.

Unlike their heart-breaking 5-4 loss at home against Brick last Tuesday, the Rebels (13-5, no. 32) took care of business in a 3-2 win over Toms River South (8-3-1, no. 14), Wednesday night at Winding River Skating Center in Toms River.

Howell came out strong from the start, jumping out to a 2-0 lead on goals from seniors Eddie Pyskaty and Greg Buckley in the first period.

"Definitely [the biggest win]," Howell head coach Bill Daley said, "Divisional rival, defending state champions and it's a little redemption from the last time we played them."

After sporting the early lead, Indians' captain Jay Malone cut that two-goal lead in half when he scored late in the first period to make it a 2-1 game.

In the second period, Mike Kochenash continued his impressive season when he finished off a breakaway goal in to give Howell the 3-1 lead.

After struggling over the last few weeks, junior goalie Zack Peras looked strong, turning away 17 of the Indians' 19 shots in the much-needed victory.

Howell was unsuccessful in both their power play oppurtunities on the night.

The shining factor for Howell was their team defense, allowing just four shots in the entire second period. Freshman Trevor Heuser lead the way, along with Matt Morelli and Matt Kotch as they neutralized a very strong Toms River South attack.

"The first thing they said to me when I walked into the locker room was 'coach, we held them under 20 shots,'" Daley said with a smile after the game, "Not that we had won but we kept our goal of under 20 shots."

Howell looked much like they did in their loss to the Dragons last week, but this time, the defense was there and they were able to put the puck in the net when it mattered.

"The boys are really starting to believe in themselves," Daley said, "And they deserve to be considered as one of the top teams."

Buckley's first period goal came off a pass from sophomore standout Austin Crane. Buckley spun and threw the back-hander shot past Indians goalie Pat Kearney for the goal. The tally is his second in as many games.

The Rebels will hit the road as they will take on Hillsborough at 5:40 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5 in an attempt to improve their record and win their fourth consecutive game since their loss against Brick.