First-Period Goal Edges Watchung Hills

The ice hockey team lost a close game to Basking Ridge 1-0 on Saturday at the Union Sports Arena.

A first-period goal was the difference as Watchung Hills continues to struggle. However, after the game, head coach Justin Kaufman was pleased with the way his team played despite the losing result.

"Our team hasn't played a full 45 minutes of hockey all year," Kaufman said. "Tonight was our best game. We played physical, but unfortunately we didn't get the bounces that we needed."

The game's lone goal was scored by Basking Ridge's Josh Raff and assisted by Tom Carpenter.  Alec Wells had a strong game in goal as he recorded the shutout with 30 saves.  

Pat Engelman played well in goal for the Warriors with 13 saves.  His play as well as the Warrior defense kept the team in the game.

The Watchung Hills and Ridge rivalry was in full effect as the game featured a lot of physical play from both sides.  Big hits were handed out by both teams, and even fans were jawing with one another.  Coach Kaufman commented on the phsycial play after the game.

"Ridge and Watchung Hills is always a big rivalry," Kaufman said.  "We've been starting to pick up the physical play in practice.  We've been working more and battling more and we've been playing more physically and it's starting to show."

Watchung Hills' best opportunity came in the third period when they had a five on three advantage after two Ridge penalties.  The team was able to pepper Wells with many shots, but couldn't get anything by the Ridge goalkeeper.

"At that point I think our guys were definitely tired," Kaufman said.  "I kept the same two lines out there and I thought about even using a timeout during that stretch.  I decided to save that timeout just in case we were in a 1-0 game, which we were."

Despite the scoring difference, Watchung Hills dominated the game.  Stellar defense and consistent offensive pressure keyed the game, but the Warriors could not capitalize.  Kaufman commended his team's effort, and also thought that his team, which has struggled for much of the season, has really picked up their play of late.

"With other teams in the past, a game like tonight would have been frustrating," Kaufman said.  "We struggled in the beginning and we are really playing better of late.  I'm very proud of the way the boys played tonight.  Obviously it falls int he loss category but at the same time I'm looking at the developmental process and we are really starting to play hockey as a team and as a unit."

"You know when the team's not losing 9-0 and they walk off the ice with their heads down but they know they battled," Kaufman said.  "The next time they come off the ice they will want it more.  I think it will help us in the long run."

The Warriors next take the ice when they host Montgomery on Feb. 2.