High School Ice Hockey:
Anderson and Lucas Star in Township Victory

Friday, February 25, 2000

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer

Buddy Anderson figured in on all the scoring and Derek Lucas was outstanding in goal, as Washington Township defeated Clearview 6-2 at Hollydell in game one of the SJHSIHL championship series. Game two will be Thursday night at Hollydell at 7:45. After watching Clearview neutralize Eastern's top line, Coach Harrington decided to utilize the speed of Defenseman of the Year Anderson and move him to forward and having him play on different lines keyed the offense, as Buddy had three goals and three assists.

The game might have been decided in the first period, however Lucas made four great saves to frustrate Clearview. After Mike Gooch scored a short-handed goal to give Clearview a 1-0 lead, twenty seconds later Lucas stoned Gunnar Fox on a break. Earlier in the period Fox had another breakaway and Lucas stoned him as he did Rob Coble from point blank range. His best save though was a glove save made on John Meenan late in the period. Township would finally tie the game on the power play with just fifteen seconds left in the period as Derek Poletis got the goal with Anderson and Steve Brown assisting.

The second period was all Township as they scored four goals starting with Eric Marano converting on a 3-on-1, Anderson and Poletis assisting. Then Anderson scored the next two and Township was in control at 4-1. Clearview had a two-man advantage for forty-four seconds late in the period but failed to capitalize. Joe Gori scored on the power play for Township late in the period and it was 5-1. John Meenan for Clearview and Anderson for Township closed out the scoring, and with the 6-2 win Township looks to become the first champion of the new millenium.

Photos by Boog Williams

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