NJ Freeze Squirt Blue Team conquers the Congressional Cup “AA” Division

In the final games of the 2008-2009 season, the NJ Freeze Squirt Blue team made a statement in the Congressional Cup that they were indeed a force to be reckoned with in the “AA” division. Playing against the Syracuse Stars, the Long Island Rebels and the Valley Forge Colonials, the NJ Freeze capped their season in dominant fashion.

 

The first game against the Syracuse Stars, the Freeze jumped out to an early 4-1 lead. Then uncharacteristically of the team, the Freeze was called for a total of 9 penalties in the game allowing the Stars the opportunity to come back in which they did. Up 6-3 with four minutes the play, the Stars kept attacking bringing the score to 6-5.  With 8 seconds left and a face off in the Freeze zone, a quick shot was gobbled up and covered by the goalie to preserve the win.

 

In the second game, the penalty bug followed the Freeze again. Eight more penalties led to another defensive game for the Freeze against the Valley Forge Colonials. The Freeze went on the beat the Colonials 4-2 setting themselves up for a run at the championship round. The only team that now stood in their way would be the Long Island Rebels. Fortunately for the Freeze, the refs finally left their whistles in their pockets and let the boys plays. The Freeze dominated the game from the beginning to the end which led to a 6-3 win over the Rebels and a chance for the gold.

 

In the finals, the Freeze would once again face the Syracuse Stars. The Stars were confident going into the game that they had a chance to defeat the Freeze after almost coming from behind in their first meeting. However they forgot to take into account that the Freeze was shorthanded most of their first meeting. It was 2-0 after the first, 5-0 after the second, and 8-0 after the third. The game was highlighted by great saves early on by Owen Roche and Alex Kranis getting his first and second goals of the season in the final game.

 

Coach Marc Ozga keeps his tournament streak going strong as the Freeze Squirt Blue Team won 2 out of the tournaments that they were entered in this year. This was a great win for the team and a great way to end the season.

 

 

 

Story by Joe Ciccarelli