Sullivan And Myers Key Eastern Win

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High School Ice Hockey:
Sullivan And Myers Key Eastern Win
Monday, February 23, 2004

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Sean Sullivan netted three goals and Danny Myers made several big saves as Eastern defeated Washington Township 4-2 in playoff action at the Skate Zone in Voorhees. Eastern is now two wins away from their second consecutive championship. Eastern scored the only goal of a very defensive first period as Christopher Ball deflected a shot by Chris Lieg into the net. Township came out more aggressive in the second period after generating just four shots in the opening stanza. Marco Jordan sent Billy Choy down the right side and his quick wrist shot beat Myers on the short side to tie the game at 1-1.

At the seven minute mark, Anthony Orner won an offensive zone face off and found Sullivan down low and he found the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. The line of Sullivan, Orner and Brandon Tunstall seem to struggle early on, but once they found their rhythm, they created numerous scoring chances. After Eastern took the lead Township kept the heat on as Fred Brewer had two great opportunities in the slot but Myers stopped both. The last coming in the waning seconds of the period and Eastern down a man.

Still down a man starting the third period, Sullivan intercepted a clearing pass and scored short-handed to put Eastern up 3-1. Now up by two the Vikings were content to dump the puck in and not be caught up ice, as Township likes to have a forward hang at center ice. Josh Courant scored in the last minute of play to cut the lead to 3-2. With the clock winding down Township was in the process of pulling goaltender Colin Sheridan, but Sullivan picked up a loose puck and shot it at the just vacated net. Sheridan threw his stick at the puck and stopped it from going into the net, but that is illegal and Sullivan was awarded with his third goal and Eastern was one step closer to repeating.

Notes: Sheridan played his best game to date in goal for Township and with Derek Anderson returning as well, next year Township should be a force. Eastern will play Rancocas on Friday at 9:30 in Voorhees and Township will play Cherry Hill East at Hollydell at 7:15.

Photos by Art Redd