Shawnee Gears Up For Playoffs, Defeats Collingswood 6-0

High School Ice Hockey:
Shawnee Gears Up For Playoffs, Defeats Collingswood 6-0

Friday, February 5, 1999

By Gary Finigan
SJSports Staff Writer

At the Medford Ice Rink, the Shawnee Renegades faced off against Collingswood. In a key game for Tier 2 of the SJHSIHL Varsity division, Shawnee shutout the Panthers 6-0. Kevin Eppolite scored two goals and Keith Williams picked up a goal and an assist for the Renegades drive to stay atop Tier 2.

Shawnee got started early, scoring in the first minute of regulation. The play began with Keith Williams taking a shot from the top of the left circle. Steve Szabaturo picked up the rebound at the right crease. With Collingswood goaltender Lundquist down, Szabaturo lifted a backhander for the 1-0 Renegade lead. Shawnee went up 2-0 with a short handed goal. On the face off following the penalty call against Shawnee, Keith Williams picked up the loose puck. Skating down the left wing, Williams got around a falling Collingswood defense, scoring low through the five hole. Chris Jennings put Shawnee up 3-0 at the 1:19 mark of the first period. Controlling the puck at the right point, Jennings fired a low shot through the screen for the goal.

Down 3-0 to start the second period, Collingswood picked up the effort level. Firming up the defense, Collingswood kept the Renegades at bay through the period. Shawnee scored for a 4-0 lead with just 22 seconds remaining. Tim Egan got the puck to Kevin Eppolite in the slot. In a crowd at the crease, Eppolite got the puck in between the pipes for the Renegades.

In the third period, Collingswood began to force the play to center ice, gaining several scoring chances. Once again, Shawnee broke through the Collingswood defense. Taking a slap shot from the point, Kevin Eppolite scored his second to push the lead to 5-0. The Renegades scored their sixth goal with a three on one rush. Crossing center ice with the puck, Adam Franck crossed the blue line. Firing a slap shot from the point, Franck beat Collingswood goalie Lundquist high on the glove side. Charles Rodrigo was in net for the Renegades shutout victory.

Photos by Gary Finigan