Site Editor posted on January 27, 2012 22:23
Ryan McCusker stopped 38 shots including 20 in the third period as Washington Township defeated Moorestown 4-3 in Tier 1 action at Hollydell. Township never trailed and jumped out to a 3-0 lead after one period. On a night honoring the seniors, Township had almost all of their players in the lineup, except defenseman Frank Hughes who was sitting out his final game of his suspension. Doug Sanders got things going just two minutes into the game as he scored on a rebound of a shot by Steve Sailor.
Midway through the period Arthur Won notched his second goal of the season after Garret Quinn was stopped down low. The lead grew to 3-0 as Jason Smith was sent in by Quinn on a breakaway and his fourth of the season topped off a strong period by Township. Mike Katz cut the lead to 3-1 with just under six minutes left in the second period scoring from in tight. Katz then broke in on a 2-on-1 with Eric Schwartz at the three minute mark and Schwartz banged home his twelfth of the year to bring Moorestown to within 3-2 after two periods.
Early in the third period Township capitalized on the man advantage as Patrick Curiale scored his team high 14th goal to give Township some breathing room at 4-2, Kevin Mello assisting. Less than three minutes later Matt Olbrich cut the lead to 4-3 on a nice pass from Alec Nicolai. McCusker than took over, at the nine minute mark he stoned John Yedman, twice down low. Then Katz had a breakaway at the seven minute mark and once again McCusker made the save. Then with just seconds left he stoned Olbrich at point blank range to preserve the win.
Notes: Arguably this was the best game all season by Township, and if they can get this kind of performance in the tournament, they will be a force to reckon with.
Written by Mike Costantino
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