Despite hockey team’s recent skid, one player stands out
Truglio compiles impressive goal streak
This season has been one of highs and lows for the Pascack Valley hockey team. The team started out well, but has faltered recently.
However, one model of consistency has been senior center Matt Truglio.
He’s an imposing force on the ice, often towering over many of his opponents. But it’s not necessarily just his size that intimidates opposing players. It is also his penchant for scoring goals.
He’s recorded at least one goal in his last seven games, and has nine goals in that span, bringing his total up to fourteen for the season, in just sixteen games.
“He’s a great hockey player,” said coach Ken DelSanto. “I’m sure the younger guys look up to him.”
However, both DelSanto and Truglio acknowledged that more can be done and needs to be done for the Indians to return to early season form.
“I could still be doing more to try and help the team get out of the slump we are in,” the center said. “The streak has helped my confidence, but I also feel like if we get a win on Saturday, that will help everyone’s confidence and get us back on track.”
“We need to minimize our mistakes and not lean so heavily on our goaltending to keep us competitive,” DelSanto said. “Too many of the mistakes have come at crucial points and the other team capitalizes. We need to play disciplined hockey.”
Truglio’s fourteen goals lead the team, with Trent Shanley in second with nine.
The Indians will play in an outdoor game at Provident Bank Park in Pomona, NY on Sunday January 24, 2016.
“I haven’t been this excited for a hockey game in a while,” Truglio said. “Both teams will remember the experience for a long time.”
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and a great atmosphere for our family and friends,” senior forward Avery Zaretsky said of the game.
DelSanto views both games this weekend (Saturday against Passaic Valley and Sunday against Montville) as winnable, as long as they “play 45 minutes of hockey.”
Both goaltenders, Steve Brennan and Ethan Gaus, rank among the top in the state in terms of save percentage as they’ve posted a .892 and .972 respectively.
