Rumson-Fair Haven Ice Hockey Surges past Middletown South
MIDDLETOWN -- After a frustrating first few weeks of the season, Rumson-Fair Haven's hockey team is beginning to hit its stride
The Bulldogs were forced to pause twice over the first three weeks of the season due to COVID-19 exposure but since returning to action, the boys in purple and black have made a statement.
Three days after a major victory over an undefeated and state-ranked Westfield team, Rumson, ranked No. 4 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10, put forth its best offensive performance of the season and surged past No. 3 Middletown South, 5-3, in a Shore Conference North Division game at the Middletown Sports Complex.
Junior forward Brett Pritchard scored two highlight-reel goals, including a short-handed goal in the first period, and senior goalie Ronan Hickey made 21 saves as the Bulldogs recorded their second win over a state-ranked opponent. Middletown South entered the game ranked No. 17 in the NJ.com Top 20. Senior defenseman Andrew Schmid added a goal and an assist while senior forward Michael Kuras and junior forward James Danielczyk each scored once.
Middletown South received goals from junior defenseman Andreas Forand, senior forward Michael Volpi and junior forward Michael Ferlanti. Forand finished with a goal and two assists while Ferlanti and Volpi had a goal and an assist each. Junior goalie Jack Collings made 21 saves.
"The last time we played them was the Shore Conference (Handchen Cup) finals (a 9-3 RFH win) so obviously there's still layover from that," said Rumson head coach Eric Zullo. "I was a little worried about our legs coming into it because we played a tough Westfield team on Monday, a tough Marlboro team on Tuesday and we finally got a practice in on Wednesday. I'm sure the legs were a little heavy for them but we need these four-game weeks to make up some games. Overall, it was a really good effort from all our lines and across the (defense)."
Middletown South vs. Rumson-Fair Haven Ice Hockey
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