Third-Period Power Play Goals Power Summit H.S. Boys Hockey Past Westfield, 4-2

ROSELLE, NJ – Sophomore Greg Spitznagel and junior Jake Puskar scored power play goals 24 seconds apart in the third period, and the Summit High School Boys Varsity Ice Hockey Team went on to defeat Westfield 4-2 at the Warinanco Skating Center. The Maroon and White power play unit was the difference-maker on the night, netting three goals while the Hilltoppers had the man advantage.

Spitznagel scored unassisted at 9:04 of the final period to break a 2-2 deadlock, and Puskar — set up by freshman Chris Magovern and junior Spencer Myers — provided some additional Hilltopper breathing room at 8:40. Freshman goaltender Grant McCormack made 16 saves as Summit, now 14-4-1 on the season, outshot the Blue Devils 27-18.

After the teams played a scoreless opening period, The ‘Top took a 1-0 lead 6:51 of the second period when senior Charlie Collins scored his 11th goal of the season, assisted by classmate Luc Radice and Myers. The lead doubled just over four minutes later when, on the power play, Spitznagel and senior Davis Strabley assisted Puskar who scored his 14th of the campaign at the 2:20 mark.

Allowing a goal in the final minute of any period is taboo in ‘Puckworld’, but Summit did just that when Anthony Oliveri got Westfield on the board with 53 seconds left in the stanza. The Hilltoppers were feeling even more blue when John Hunniston scored less than three minutes into the third to tie the game.

Another frozen faux pas, however, is taking penalties in a tight game, and Westfield’s failure to avoid that pitfall ultimately gave Summit the opportunity to retake the lead and close out the game.

The Hilltoppers will be back on the Warinanco ice February 5 when they take on Ridge. Face-off is set for 6:35 p.m.

Source