Wolfpack Hockey Action from Jan. 7-8

The Wolfpack Mites had one of the annual highlights of their season on Saturday when they participated in the New Jersey Devils’ “Marquee Matchup” on the ice at the Prudential Center in Newark. 19 mites hit the ice during the first intermission of the Devils-Oilers game to the roar of the crowd. Afterward along with their families everyone enjoyed cheering on the Devils. Footage of the “Marquee Matchup” can be found on the Wolfpack Facebook page. Many thanks to the Devils for making this fun event possible!

The Wolfpack Squirts Blue played the Colts on Saturday at the Twin Oaks Ice Rink in Morristown. Due to a last minute schedule change, they were scrambling for players and took the ice minus some key scorers. Nevertheless, the Wolfpack was able to keep the Colts lead to a minimum for most of the game. Michael Ferry did a great job goaltending. Zach Naval stood tall on defense supported by Rowan Killam, Luke Barisonek, Eddie Fox, and William Andrews. On offense, Ben Capan, Eli Hutchins, Jake Fox, and Layton Cummings all played to their maximum abilities. Andrew Osso scored the Wolfpack's first goal, but the Wolfpack found themselves trailing the Colts going into the third period. A goal by Alex Trezza late in the third period started a rally, but the Wolfpack ultimately found themselves coming up short with a final score of 5 to 2.

On Sunday Morning at Mennen arena the Wolfpack Squirts White faced off against a fierce team from Jefferson. Jefferson got on the scoreboard first but Alex Trezza responded with 2 quick goals to put the Wolfpack up 2-1. After Jefferson fought back with 2 goals of their own, early in the 2nd period Zach Naval scored to tie it up and Michael Ferry put one in to put the Wolfpack back on top 4-3. Early in the 3^rd, Jefferson came back again with 2 more goals and were up 5-4. The Wolfpack got fired up when Jake Salamone tied the back and forth battle up at 5 goals apiece. The determined Wolfpack turned it up another notch and with time running down in the 3rd period, Alex Trezza completed his hat trick and put the Wolfpack back on top 6-5. Jefferson fought hard to the end but the Wolfpack shut them down and came away with an exciting win. Bryan Rainforth was outstanding in goal with 26 saves while Layton Cummings and Eddie Fox playing strong on defense. This was the team’s long awaited first win!

The Wolfpack Pee Wee team beat Jefferson in a track meet 16-8 on Sunday night. The Jefferson club was without a goalie which presented a unique opportunity for the Wolfpack to pounce on their opponent. The game featured a “hat trick of hat tricks” for the Wolfpack. John Luca O’Toole, Hayden McGuigan, and Michael Scarpati each had three goals in the cruise controlled game. Quintin Veletto also scored on a beautiful passing play where all five Wolfpack players touched the puck with Veletto eventually pounding it home. The defense played well enough to hold off the exceptionally strong Jefferson attack. Paul Bietka and Nick Dargel led the way on defense.

The Pee Wees lost 10-4 in a Saturday morning tilt against Watchung Hills. Brendan Donlon stepped up valiantly to fill in for goalie after a late scratch. Even though his first ever appearance in goal did not produce a win his leadership did not go unnoticed. Paul Bietka and Nick Dargel each had goals while playing on defense. Michael Scarpati and Quintin Veletto scored the other two Wolfpack goals.

As the largest recreational program serving western Morris County towns, the LVCM Wolfpack always welcomes new players in grades K-8, and provides multiple chances per month to “try hockey for free” for kids who would like to experience the coolest sport in town!