BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer
The Middletown High School North ice hockey team avenged an earlier loss to Bishop Eustace on Sunday as it looks for a strong finish in the N.J. Interscholastic Hockey League’s Southern Conference Red Division.
Coach Joe Campisano’s team defeated division leader Bishop Eustace 4-2 at the Wall Sports Arena.
The win upped Middletown North’s conference record to 5-2-1 (7-3-2 overall) to move one point behind Bishop Eustace, which is 6-1 (6-2 overall) in divisional play. St. Augustine Prep at 5-1-1 (5-2-2) is tied for second with the Lions.
Middletown North, which reached the state final four in the NJISAA state tourney last year, has been playing better of late after a so-so start that Campisano said was the result of inconsistency. Along the way, the Lions lost leads twice that resulted in ties.
“I think we were guilty of reading our own press early on,” Campisano said. “Plus, every time we made a mistake the puck ended up in the net. That was very frustrating, but generally we’ve been playing better.”
Campisano’s team plays a defense-oriented, grinding style. The Lions depend on strong positional play in the defensive zone. Offensively, Middletown North’s style is to get the puck in deep and work the corners.
Seniors George Noble and Mike Foley, along with freshman Mike Crisculo have been the Lions’ top line. Noble and Crisculo have scored 10 goals apiece, while Foley has tallied six goals and leads the team with 12 assists.
Other key forwards include seniors Jesse Walton and Brian Waitt, who both can put the puck in the net, as well as sophomores Nick Brown and Drew Koehler.
Jim Hall, now in his third year as captain, anchors the defense, along with fellow seniors Mike Brown and Steve Hague. Hague, who moved up from the junior varsity, has been a valuable addition. Senior Luke Nesbihal and junior Adam Huff share time between the pipes.
“It’s taken a few weeks, but now our guys understand that you can’t just show up and win a game,” Campisano said. “Our style of play demands hard work for all three periods, we’re not quite there yet, but we’re making strides.”
The Lions have an important game with St. Augustine tomorrow in Vineland, and will take on crosstown rival Middletown South on Sunday at Wall Ice Arena at 6:45 p.m.