Consecutive wins give OB hockey hope for next year
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
Although the Old Bridge High School ice hockey team struggled through the season, the Knights ended with a pair of impressive wins.

CoachDrewCampbell's teamlost its first 13 games before pulling off its first victory on Feb. 7 with a 7-6 triumph over Edison. Due to illnesses and injuries, the Knights put just 11 players on the ice, but still managed to prevail. Mike Kurth scored a hat trick and Danny Cuccinello added a pair of goals, while freshman goalie Dan Bergert notched his first victory.

But the best was yet to come. The following day, Old Bridge visited Pope Paul VI (10-5-1), which needed a win to keep pace withWatchung Hills at the top of the Central Conference White Division. This time, the Knights entered the game with just eight skaters.

Pope Paul came out on fire, out-shooting Old Bridge 18-2 in the opening period, but was able to post just a 2-1 lead. Kurth scored early in the second to knot the score and sophomore Mike Cassalaspro put the Knights ahead, 3-2.

Late in the second period, Pope Paul pulled its goalie and scored to make it 3-3. To make matters worse, freshman defenseman Chris Bergert suffered a broken ankle during the period, dropping Old Bridge to seven skaters.

"Our guys were doing a good job and playing smart hockey so they wouldn't wear themselves out," Campbell said. "Still, they were getting tired, but they were determined not to let this game get away from them."

Freshman CoreyWilson scored early in the period to give his team the lead, but the home team quickly answered back and began pressing for the winning goal.

Old Bridge was holding off their hosts, then, with six minutes remaining, Wilson took a penalty. The Knights managed to kill the power play, and as the penalty expired Old Bridge cleared the puck.Wilson picked it up at center ice and scored on a breakaway.

Freshman Harry Kurth then scored an empty-net goal to ice the win.

The loss eliminated Pope Paul VI from the race in the conference.

"We have a lot of young players and it was a tough season," Campbell said. "They kept working hard and didn't get discouraged. It was gratifying to see them end the year on such a positive note."

The coach added that the bulk of his team will return next year, and will benefit fromthe experience they gained this season. Campbell also praised Mike Kurth for his leadership throughout the campaign.

"Essentially, we put a lot of freshmen and sophomores on the ice and asked them to make an immediate adjustment to varsity hockey," Campbell said. "That's a lot to ask. It wasn't always easy, but they learned a lot and they showed that they're willing to work hard. If that continues, we should be very competitive next year."