PV hockey team back to winning ways in its own “Winter Classic”
Truglio’s offensive output and Brennan’s play in goal anchors Indians
“It was the most fun I’ve had playing hockey in a while,” said senior center Matt Truglio.
Describing Pascack Valley’s first outdoor hockey game, a 5-3 victory over Montville on Sunday, Truglio and the team were overcome with emotions of all kinds–ranging from elation and joy to finally win again, to pride for their school and teammates, to the most apparent one, a love of the game.
Before the Indians took the ice for the memorable game, many players said that just the experience alone would remain with them for a long time, and that the result was irrelevant.
Though, after the game, the players were quick to say that winning only made the experience sweeter.
“We were all pumped to go out there and win PV’s first Winter Classic. It was a hard fought win that we needed,” said junior forward Luke Ciocca, who contributed a goal.
“It felt amazing to get back in the win column,” said Trent Shanley. “Getting the win made the game that much more special.”
The game itself was indeed hard fought, as the Indians had to keep up their play until late in the third period to ensure the victory. Aidan Tuffy’s goal to put the Indians up 2-1 wound up being the game winner, as the Indians never trailed or were tied after that.
Both sides came out playing a physical brand of hockey with tremendous open ice hits and poke checks that served the purpose of tripping a player, rather than getting the puck. The game, bordering on dirty in spots, saw PV on the receiving end of many aggressive hits.
For much of the game, tempers flared between the two sides, but the team was largely able to keep its composure. Eventually, however, PV did show signs of cracking, getting into scraps late and firing shots well after the whistle, sparking more physical play.
The game was highlighted by the play of Truglio and sophomore goaltender Steve Brennan.
Truglio recorded a hat trick, his third of the season, and extended his goal streak to eight games with twelve goals in that span. The other two goals came from Ciocca and freshman Aidan Tuffy.
Brennan was sharp for the whole game, making some tremendously acrobatic saves, as well as doing the routine parts of the job correctly. While he saw his fair share of shots, he never succumbed to the pressure, and played a poised and disciplined brand of hockey throughout the game.
For many on the team, it was about more than just a single game. It was about the game of hockey as a whole and sharing the experience with the other players.
“In the long time I’ve been playing the sport I’ve never enjoyed a game that much,” noted senior forward Avery Zaretsky.
