High School Ice Hockey: Pezzato and Gray key Shawnee Victory Monday, November 6, 2006 By Mike Costantino SJSports Staff Writer Joe Pezzato had a goal and three assists and Paul Gray allowed only one goal as Shawnee defeated Williamstown 4-1 on Monday night at the Skate Zone in Voorhees. Ryan Welsey added two goals for Shawnee while Justin Osterdahl scored the lone Williamstown goal. Pezzato was all over the ice and created numerous scoring opportunities for his team. Welsey put Shawnee up 1-0 as he benefited from a great pass from Pezzato on a 2-on-1 break, as Pezzato drew the defenseman over and slid the puck to Welsey and he banged home the puck midway through the first period. Shawnee had three consecutive power plays and failed to convert, but they did convert when Williamstown had the man advantage. With just over three minutes left in the period and Shawnee down a man, Pezzato stole the puck at center ice and hit Welsey flying down the wing, and his quick shot put Shawnee up 2-0. Still on the power play, Williamstown had a great chance as Dennis Cunard was alone in front but Gray stoned him to keep it 2-0. Late in the period Pezzato sent in Matt McDonald, again short-handed and his blast found the net for a 3-0 lead after one. Williamstown finally capitalized on the power play as Osterdahl after a nifty move, lifted a backhander just under the crossbar to cut the lead to 3-1 at the eight minute mark. That’s when the strong play by the defense of Williamstown, led by Tom Humphreys and Ian Watson, kept the Braves in check for the rest of the game. Fittingly, Pezzato scored the third shorthanded goal for Shawnee with just under five minutes remaining to make it 4-1. Gray made several big saves in the third period, and Watson and Humphreys kept the front clear to not allow any rebounds. With the win Shawnee took over first place, one point ahead of Township. Notes: Looking ahead Township and Shawnee meet on Monday December 11th at Voorhees, and with both goalies playing solid, this should be a dandy, mark your calendars. Photos by Art Redd