Wei, young defense help South in shutout
By Bob Nuse, Sports Editor
Just over a week into the season, West Windsor-Plainsboro High South ice hockey coach Laurent Lassance has already seen his team moving forward in a positive direction.
”From the very beginning of the season to now I am pleased with the way they are playing,” Lassance said after his team improved to 2-1 with a 10-0 win over Hamilton on Monday. “I was upset with the way we lost to Steinert because I felt like we outplayed them and came out with a loss.”
The Pirates opened the season with a tough, 2-1, loss to the Spartans. But they bounced back to beat Hightstown, 8-5, before taking care of Hamilton in the fog on Monday. They then topped Paul VI, 5-4, on Wednesday thanks to a 4-1 advantage in the third period to improve to 3-1.
”The first couple of games were a little shaky, but today we played our game,” sophomore defenseman Henry Wei said after the win over Hamilton. “We played the way Coach wanted us to play and I guess this is what happens.
”We have a solid team if we can follow what we’re supposed to do. We have to forecheck hard, play our positions, and support our teammates.”
Sophomore Jonathan Mathews scored three times in the win over the Hornets, while senior Mike Morabito added a pair of goals. The Pirates also received single tallies from Brian Tso, Chris Colacello, Matt Sayde, Rob Brown and Chris Clancey. Tso finished the game with six assists.
In the win over Paul VI, Mathews scored twice and added two assists, while Morabito, Sayde and Tso added singles goals. Andrew Holubec made 32 saves in goal in the win.
”We’re a little deeper than we were last year at the skill positions,” Lassance said. “I know Jon (Plester) was a great goaltender for us last year but we don’t really lose much because we have Karl Stafford who is a senior and Andrew Holubec who is a junior that is playing really well. Goalie-wise, that is not our weak spot. If anything we need to get our younger defenders to play a little better together and make smarter decisions because Mike Morabito is the one with a lot of experience.”
Wei is one of the defensemen Lassance will be counting on to make a bigger impact this year after getting experience on the back line as a freshman a year ago.
”I want to make smart defensive plays and be where I am supposed to be,” Wei said. “It is a big jump from freshman to sophomore year. You have so much more experience that you can share with new players. Once you are older you start talking more. I know better what is expected of me and how I should play.”
Added Lassance: “Henry is one of the top three guys, right there with Chris Colacello who is a senior. Henry being a sophomore, I would love to see him play some travel hockey and get his skills up because next year he’ll be my top defender. Adam Deslatte was a forward last year who is playing defense this year but he still has a lot to learn.”