Rancocas Out-Foxed In First Loss

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High School Ice Hockey:
Rancocas Out-Foxed In First Loss
Friday, November 14, 2003

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Wyatt Fox scored three goals and Bobby Kovarovic stopped thirty shots as Clearview handed Rancocas Valley its first loss of the season 6-3 in Tier 1 action at Hollydell. The power play was the key for both teams; each team scored three times with the man advantage. Clearview got the only two goals in the first period, both on the power play, when Fox on a great pass from Bill Dunbar in the right corner, had the whole net to shoot. Jim Sprinkle made it 2-0 scoring unassisted about one minute later.

Despite being out-shot 14-7, Clearview led 2-0 heading into the second period, mainly on the play of Kovarovic in nets, as he stoned two Rancocas shooters from in close. Although the second period was closer in terms of shots, 11-9, Clearview again scored the only goal. Again on the power play, Sprinkle made a nice play to keep the puck in the zone and found Fox alone in front and his quick shot found the net and Clearview led 3-0. After Shaun Stamm and Fox scored thirty-four seconds apart in the first five minutes of the third period to make it 5-0, most teams would have folded.

Rancocas would respond and convert their opportunities on the power play. First, Ryan Smith cut the lead to 5-1 scoring midway through the period and in the game’s final two minutes, Ray Mellon connected twice to bring Rancocas back to 5-3. Forced to pull their goalie in the last minute, Mike Sullivan ended any hopes of a comeback scoring into the empty net for the 6-3 final. Next up for Clearview is a meeting with undefeated Eastern on Monday. Will they next hand Eastern their first league loss?

Photos by Art Redd