Bock's six goals carry Rams past Bears

Brian Bock is becoming a stopper.

For the second straight game, the Rams jumped out to a huge lead at Coach McNelly Stadium, only to see it evaporate into the night sky before Bock scored a goal to stop the opposition's momentum and secure a win for Spring-Ford mid-way through the fourth quarter.

In a scenario that bore an uncanny similarity to Monday’s night’s close call, Spring Ford was again able to endure a third period onslaught, escaping with a victory to remain unbeaten in conference play by beating Boyertown 13-7.

 “We did a lot of things well tonight, getting off to a fast start is great,” said Rams head coach Kevin Donnelly. “We again let them back into the game which is something we have to work on.”

Spring-Ford controlled play for most of the first half and during one stretch held a two-to-one edge in time of possession in the offensive zone, utilizing Drew Thomas, Brain Bock and Zach Monzo’s ability to cycle the ball to create scoring chances and while limiting Boyertown’s opportunities.

“We kept the ball in their end for most of the first period,” added Donnelly. I was very pleased with the way we started tonight. When we cycle the ball and control the play, we have been very successful, and our attackers do that very well.” 

After taking a 9-4 lead into the intermission, the Rams were shut out in the third period by the Bears, who dropped to 2-4 in league play, as Boyertown posted three goals of their own, cutting the lead to two heading into the final period.

“We started out great again tonight, then we took our foot off the gas pedal, again!” said Bock. “We need to be certain that we play 100 percent for 48 minutes every game. We have worked to get a good lead, then let up in both games this week, which is not how we play.”

Bock scored seven points (six goals, one assist) but none were more important than his goal with 6:58 remaining in regulation, ending an 18:40 scoring draught and regaining the momentum for Spring-Ford.

“I knew we had to go,” added Bock. “I like being in the role of the guy my team can look to when they need that one goal that breaks the other teams back. Give them credit, Boyertown played us much tighter in the third period, but we talked at the break about slowing down and controlling the possessions, After we did that, we got back on track.”

Rams net minder Jared Novia, who made 13 saves in the game, slammed the door big time on the Bears in the fourth quarter, shutting them out and making four saves in the process, including taking a blast off his shin.

“We all trust each other,” said Novia. “I knew I had to step up when they cut it to two, but I also knew that my offense would put pressure on them in their end. I like to play the ball aggressively and I know that my defense always has my back if I get caught out of the net.”

Spring-Ford (6-0 league, 7-1 overall) responded to Novia’s effort by peppering the Bears' net in the final six minutes, scoring four goals in that span, and cranking it up physically as the Rams laid the wood to Boyertown, out-hitting the Bears attackers.

“We needed to be more physical in the second half,” said Senior Eric Wolaniuk, who recorded four hits and got penalized for a cross check in the fourth. “Boyertown always tries to muscle us. We want to be physical and have them thinking about getting hit. We are taking it one game at a time, but I honestly can say we are looking forward to playing Owen J. (Roberts) here on Monday.”

Following goals by Kelly and Monzo, Bock got to put the finishing touches on the win by beating Bears goaltender Tyler Fuhrman (nine saves), who will probably have nightmares tonight about the number eight (Bock’s jersey number), through the five hole with 2:15 remaining.

“We want the guys to be physical and coach them to use their bodies,” said Donnelly. “It’s  not like we are looking for hits or penalties, but you need to establish a physical presence to be successful in the PAC-10 and districts. Overall, I am very happy with our effort in the last two games, we just need to avoid those spots where we let up a bit.”  

Spring-Ford 13, Boyertown 7

Boyertown

Matt Salvetti 2g

Tyler Orff 1g, 1a

Jake McKee 1g

Alex Millard 1g, 1a

Matt Richter 1g

McFadyen 1g

Lees 1a

Tyler Furman 9 saves

Spring-Ford

Zach Monzo 2g

Andrew Thomas 1g, 3a

Jackson Ranheim 1g

Justin Kelly 2g, 1a

Max Ullmann 1a

Brian Bock 5g, 1a

Paul Major 2g

Jared Novia 13 saves

Clears- Spring-Ford - 13/15

Shots- Spring-Ford -  26

Ground balls- Spring-Ford – 14

Man advantage- Spring-Ford – 2/3

Face offs won – Spring-Ford – 8/24