The Bergen Catholic Crusaders (6-9) skated with purpose Sunday afternoon, toppling the Gloucester Catholic Rams (6-5-2), 9-4 at the Ice House in Hackensack.
"When we play in our house, we want to play strong," said head coach Tim Clifton. "I felt we got off to a good start."
Aside from notching a season-finale win, the Crusaders also have their sights set on the post-season.
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"I feel if we get everybody healthy and on their game, we can have some success going into Gordon Cup and state tournments," Clifton said, noting that the squad has been hampered by injuries throughout the season.
"I knew coming into the game we had a full lineup, full compliment of guys," he said. "We had a very good third period the last time we played the in their rink, and outscored them 4-1. So I knew we had some momentum."
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Adam Apidopolous netted a hat trick and Kyle Garlasco and Scott Mogerly scored two goals each.
The other BC scorers were Jonathan Baron, Ryan Smyth, and Matt Sickles. Gennaro Anzevino faced 19 shots in net.
The Crusaders came out smoking, dumping the puck in the Rams end and grabbing a 6-2 lead after the first period. The Rams stepped up their play and played tight in the second stanza. But the Crusaders kep them at bay, even fending off a 5-3 disadvantage late in the period.
"That 5-3 was a huge penalty kill for us. I mean that was the game right there," said Clifton.
"Hockey is a game of momentum. We limited their scoring opportunities with our big guys like Garlasco, Mike Ramirez, Wynne Connoe and Apidopolous. They really had good games today."
