Four Warriors Score in Season-Opening Tie

The Watchung Hills Regional varsity ice hockey team tied Hunterdon Central on Friday night 4-4 before an enthusiastic home crowd at the Rock Ice Center in Dunellen.

It was a see-saw battle with the Warriors getting on the board first. Senior Co-Captain Michael Tedesco scored on the power play, assisted by Chad Simons and Senior Co-Captain Troy Lewis.

The second period had Hunterdon Central tie the game on a penalty shot, before sophomore assistant Captain Sam Shapiro scored unassisted on the power play to restore the Warriors one goal lead. Early in the third period Hunterdon Central again tied the score at two on a power play goal, before junior Dave Dassinger scored on the power play to again put the warriors up by one.

The final three goals were scored within two exciting minutes late in third as Hunterdon Central tied the game at three on the power play. Julian De Oliveira scored unassisted to give Watchung Hills its last lead at 4-3, before Hunterdon Central scored at even strength to finish the scoring and tie the game.

It was a well played game on both sides, featuring some fine goaltending by Junior Brett Ralli. Brett made many high quality saves, and seemed to come up with the answer to Hunterdon Central’s offensive pressure time and time again.

Other players contributing were the line of sophomore Assistant Captain Harrison Napell, freshmen Robbie Tedesco and Josh Lo Giudice, forwards Ben Lugg, Carl Bentzlin and Seth Gallucci. Playing strong on defense were Owen Whitley and Arielle Gallucci.

The Warriors next game is 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, against Skyland conference foe Pingry at Bridgewater Sports Arena in Bridgewater. 

Submitted by Al LoGiudice