Site Editor posted on February 16, 2009 20:31
Trailing 4-2 heading into what would have been their final period of the season, Washington Township came back to life scoring 5 times on their way to a 7-4 win over Delran. Matt Fleekop and Eddie Sarin led the way with two goals and three assists each. Ray Norfo led Delran with a hat trick. Delran led after the first period, 2-1, as Norfo scored twice, sandwiched between was a Township power play goals scored by Fleekop, whose senior leadership was an important part to the success of the team all season.
Tyler Leary scored early in the second period to give Delran a 3-1 lead as they capitalized on the power play. Mike Nigro got Township to within 3-2 scoring at the four minute mark, with Fleekop and Sarin assisting. But Norfo completed his hat trick in the last minute of the period and Township trailed 4-2 after two. Louie DeAngelo brought some life to the team as Township came out seemingly with a purpose early in the period and DeAngelo scored just thirty seconds into the third to make it 4-3.
Delran, over the next nine minutes played strong defense and was just looking to hang on as Township applied the pressure. Finally, senior captain Jonathan Paolo got the tying goal putting home a rebound with just under five minutes left, thanks to great pressure by Fleekop and Dylan Smith and we were tied at 4-4. Ten seconds later Fleekop got the game winner as he hustled to the net and scored on a rebound of a shot by Sarin. Now seeing victory in sight Township continued their pressure and two minutes later Sarin got his first goal with an assist to Paolo and the lead was now safe at 6-4. Sarin added an empty net goal in the final minute to seal the 7-4 win.
Notes: Against a better team, Township would not have survived and they need to start strong if they expect to get back to the finals. Balance is what got them here and that’s what they need to advance.
Written by Mike Costantino
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