Site Editor posted on November 23, 2011 22:44
Kyle Parks had a goal and two assists and Jonathan Ruiz added two goals as the Williamstown Braves defeated rival Washington Township 4-3 in front of a standing room only crowd at Hollydell on the night before Thanksgiving. Small in stature but huge in heart and determination Parks has never shied away from contact and it was clear early on that the senior forward wanted to provide leadership to his team.
Jason Smith gave Township a 1-0 lead just four minutes into the game as Steve Sailor sent in Garrett Quinn on a break, after Troy Altbaum made the initial save, Smith was there to put home the rebound. The Braves would tie the game scoring the first of two power play goals and Parks was involved on both.
First he found Ruiz at the top of the circle and his blast tied the game at 1-1. After Doug Sanders gave Township a 2-1 lead early in the second period, Williamstown would take just about one minute to respond. Parks would find Allen Haynes at the point and his slap shot tied the score at 2-2. Parks would give the Braves the lead for good at the eight minute mark after Ruiz was stopped in front the rebound came to the long side and Parks was there to put it home and the Braves led 3-2.
Twenty seconds later Ruiz gave them some insurance scoring an unassisted goal for a 4-2 lead that held up until the third period. With Township on the power play and having pulled the goalie for an extra skater, Jonathan Smith found Mike Lorence in front and his goal cut the lead to 4-3, but Altbaum shut the door and the Braves held on for the win.
Notes: With the win the Braves moved into a tie for second place with Moorestown and they will meet next Monday at Voorhees. Nice job by both officials, Norm Jones and John Phillips as they let the players play and kept the game moving at a good pace.
Written by Mike Costantino
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