Pascack Valley’s hockey team has been shutout just once through its first six games, against Northern Highlands on Dec. 12, by a score of 6-0. But on Friday night, the Indians settled the score against Highlands, winning 4-1.

In the shutout, the youth on defense was on full display, as Highlands was able to get off shot after shot, and the defense had a hard time forcing turnovers and clearing the puck. There was a point in the game where for about the first five or so minutes into the second period, PV failed to get anything to go past their defensive blue line.

Something else was on full display, and it was a lack of depth. Junior forward Trent Shanley and freshman forward Aidan Tuffy were both absent, and both of them usually provide a spark to the offense, one that would’ve greatly helped in the shutout.

Despite the lopsided score, it wasn’t all bad for the Indians.

“It obviously wasn’t the result we wanted, but I was pleased with our effort. We skated really hard,” said coach Ken DelSanto after his team’s loss.

He added that a lack of depth really hurt the Indians and that its importance can’t be discounted.

DelSanto didn’t have to worry about depth on Friday night. Tuffy, who had been sidelined the last two weeks with a concussion, returned to full form, as did Shanley.

The physicality and tenacity of the Indians was noticeable right out of the gate. Three minutes in the Indians already played more physical than their last time out against Highlands, thanks to increased poke checks and stick lifts.

Highlands jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but from that point forward, it was all PV.

Shanley had the majority of the PV chances and at the 13:53 mark of the second period, he capitalized. Then, a little over a minute later, at 12:21, he scored what would be the game winner, his third game winner of the season.

Despite his continued success, Shanley was quick to deflect praise away from himself.

“We outworked them. Everybody did their job, and worked hard in both zones, which resulted in the win,” he said.

Luke Ciocca also chipped in two empty net goals, which sealed the Indians fate.

Besides Shanley, sophomore goalie Steve Brennan also shined again, demonstrating tremendous poise and not much seemed to faze him. The defense in front of him really stepped up and played markedly better this time out against the Highlanders.

He like Shanley was quick to deflect praise.

“The defenseman played great and were huge contributors to our success. They were able to clear players out in front of the net and get the puck out of the zone,” he acknowledged.

At times, the defense has struggled, but recently, its play has greatly increased.

The Indians were determined to come back and beat Highlands the second time out.

They did just that.