High School Ice Hockey:
Vikings Clinch First In Romp Over East

Monday, February 8, 1999

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

The Eastern Vikings clinched first place in the SJHSIHL by defeating Cherry Hill East 14-1 at the Coliseum on Monday night. Entering the last game of the regular season, Eastern needed a victory to secure first and the first round bye. Coach Pontonio's team responded by scoring six goals in the first period. Led by the "Mike Line" of Cianfrani with four goals, Becker with three goals and Purwin with a shorthanded goal and an assist, Eastern seemed to be on a twenty-minute power play in the first period and out-shot Cherry Hill 18-3.

Not letting up, the second period was a mirror image of the first as the Vikings unloaded 19 shots to just 2 for Cherry Hill, with John Schellenhammer and Adam Levenson contributing goals. If not for the play of East goalie Kennan, Eastern would have led by more than 9-1. Other goal scorers for the Vikings were Brent Picciotti, Jason Knee and Joe Jurkofsky. With the win, Eastern will probably not play for about two weeks and the challenge will be for Coach Pontonio to keep his team focused and hungry as they enter the playoffs as defending champs. Until someone proves otherwise, Eastern will remain defending champions.

Photos by Art Redd