While a lot can change from one game to the next, there are usually some clues left behind. But even Charlie Chan, Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Clouseau would've been stumped by what happened between the South Brunswick and Monroe ice hockey teams.
South Brunswick and Monroe played each other twice. On Jan. 4, Monroe rallied for a 4-3 win. Just two days later, however, SBHS responded with a 10-0 beat down of Monroe.
"The players were annoyed we lost that first game," South Brunswick Coach Michael Slansky said. "There was still a sour taste in the boys' mouths when we played the second game. It was so fresh, they turned it into a substantial win."
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On Jan 4, the two teams were tied at 0-0 after the first and 1-1 going into the final period. Monroe emerged victorious after a thrilling third period.
"We should have won that game," Slansky said.
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Tommy Fisher scored twice for South Brunswick in the loss. Sean Kacerosky added a goal. Connor VanDemark (two) and Casey Walker had assists.
On Jan. 7, South Brunswick didn't leave any opening for any Monroe third-period heroics. South Brunswick scored three goals in the first period, five more in the second and two more in the third.
"We didn't play well in the first game," Slansky said. "I think we are the better team. I don't think we are ten goals better, but we are the stronger team.
"We switched the lines. We switched a couple of players. Six of the ten goals came from the first line. That was responsible for some of the difference (from the first game to the second)."
Russ Lorring led the way with a hat trick. Will Connell added two goals and two assists. Katul Patel had a goal and two assists. Tommy Fisher and Will Kogan each had a goal and an assist. Ryan Christofalo and Joe Marchesani added a goal each.
South Brunswick defeated Woodbridge, 7-2, on Friday night.
After the two teams were tied 1-1 following the first period, South Brunswick scored three times in the second and three more in the third.
"We played a lot of freshmen," Slansky said. "It was a good opportunity to get some players ice time."
Russ Lorring had a hat trick for South Brunswick. Will Connell had two goals and two assists. Kateul Patel had a goal and assist. Ryan Christofalo scored South Brunswick's other goal. Tommy Fisher, Connor VanDeMark, Will Kogan and Joe Marchesani had assists.
On Jan. 21, South Brunswick will play Steinert at Ice land in a 3:30 p.m. start. This is a chance to add to the 7-2 record.
""It's hard to be upset with that kind of record," Slansky said. "Could we be 9-0? Absolutely. If St. Joe's is number one (in the county), I'd like to think we're number two. When push comes to shove, that should be the GMC (Greater Middlesex Conference) championship."
