CBA Hockey Returns to the Ice
The Colts got back on the ice to start a new season last Friday, November 26th. After a disappointing end to last season when they got knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Gordon conference, CBA looked to have a bounce-back year, starting the season ranked third in the state. They started the season with a very difficult matchup, however: on the road against top-ranked Don Bosco.
Fortunately, the Colts were able to get one of their best players back on the ice for this game. After missing the back half of last season with a concussion, starting goaltender John Donohoe was back between the pipes for CBA. Donohoe was dialed in as the puck dropped to start CBA’s season.
The Colts were able to strike first in the opening period when Pat Reilly scored on the power play to give the Colts an early 1-0 lead, a lead that would hold up going into the second period. In the second period, CBA showed how dangerous they could be when Aidan Guinnessey scored a shorthanded goal with less than a minute to go in the period to tack onto the lead heading into the third and final period.
In the middle of the third, Chris Chouha scored to give the Colts a 3-0 lead, and with Donohoe being lights out in the crease, this score would stand as the buzzer went off to end the game. In this monumental win for the Colts, Donohoe stopped all 15 shots that came his way. Seniors Evan Brown and Zach Wagnon each had two assists in the game as CBA took down the highest-ranked team in the state.
The Colts looked to keep this momentum going as fourth-ranked Bergen Catholic came to Jersey Shore Arena on Wednesday, December 1 for CBA’s home opener. The Colt Crazies packed the stands to cheer on their classmates as this top-five matchup got underway. Once again Donohoe would get the start in the net.
In the first period, the Colts again struck first early as Aidan Kane netted a goal just over three minutes into the period. The Colts on the ice skated over to the fan section as they celebrated this early lead. There would no scoring for the rest of the first period, and the teams got scrappy after one of the Bergen Crusaders nudged Donohoe after the whistle. The Colts headed to the locker room up 1-0.
In the second, the Colts once again struck early as Sean Guinnessey was able to find the back of the net to give the Colts a 2-0 lead three minutes into the period. Bergen Catholic answered quickly though, as a shot on their power play was able to beat Donohoe on the blocker-side, pulling Bergen to within one.
Just when it seemed like the Colts were able to head into the third period with the one-goal lead, Bergen found a way to tie the game as Donohoe was able to save the initial shot, but could not corral the rebound that the Crusaders put in the back of the net. Going into the third, it was all tied up at 2.
CBA was dominant in the third period as the puck stayed mostly close to the Bergen Catholic goaltender. However, CBA was unable to capitalize on this lopsided puck possession. The Colts’ best chance in the final period came in the dying seconds when a shot from the blue line was deflected at the side of the net, but went just wide. As the horn sounded, and with no overtime in the regular season, CBA and Bergen Catholic came off the ice with a 2-2 tie. The two teams will play again later in the year on Bergen’s home ice for a highly-anticipated rematch.
Throughout the opening week, a bright spot on the Colts has been junior defensemen Pat Reilly. Reilly has two points in each of the team’s first two games, recording one goal and three assists total. At the end of the first week, he is the leading point scorer for the Colts and will look to continue his momentum throughout the season.
The Colts are back in action next week as they play three games in a four-day span. On Tuesday, December 7 they travel to Delbarton. The next day it’ll be a revenge game against Seton Hall Prep as the Colts play the Pirates at Jersey Shore Arena. This game will be streamed on the CBA Digital Network. Finally, to end the week, CBA will take on the Rumson-Fair Haven Bulldogs when they come to Jersey Shore Arena on Friday, December 10.
Although this past week did not end the way the Colts would have hoped, there is still a lot to look forward to this year. Having Donohoe back on the ice for CBA is a great step for the Colts to try and win another Gordon Conference championship, and potentially even a state title. One thing is for certain however, CBA hockey is back.
(Photo by NJ.com.)
