Zeke Maling battles Boyertown captain Robert Weinberger for the puck.
Kennett’s blue line should lead it to success in boys’ hockey
By Dave Conard, Sports Editor, KennettTimes.com
ASTON — Through all of the changes in the landscape of the Ches-Mont league over the past three seasons in ICSHL, one aspect of the Blue Demons game has remained constant, that is Kennett’s ability to play solid defense.
Until a 9-1 loss to Boyertown in their last trip to the ice, the Blue Demons had stormed out of the gate to a 3-1-1 start, led by the outstanding work at the blue line from senior Scott Palmer (1 goal, 3 assists, 1PPG) and sophomore Jack Moore who has racked up 21 penalty minutes while posting three assists.
On Monday night the Bears got out to an early two goal lead, forcing Kennett’s hand and after a couple of missed opportunities by both squads, the chirpiness took over the tilt, starting a game long procession to the penalty box by members of both squads, resulting in the Bears owning a 33-18 shot on goal advantage and more than 102 penalty minutes being served on 21 combined infractions.
Playing almost the entire game either on the power play or killing off a penalty, prevented the Blue Demons attack, led by sophomore Tommy Dougherty (5 goals, 4 assists, 1 SHG) and leading scorer senior Jeffrey Tinkoff (9 goals, 3 assists, 35 PM, 2 PPG, 1SHG) to get on track.
Kennett' s Jack Moore clears the crease of a Boyertown defender
Marshal Rush, who saw his first action of the season in net, spelling junior goal tender Nick Schuibbeo who has thus far posted a 3-1-1 record allowing 2.95 goals per game while recording a save percentage of .905, battled furiously but their were just two many power play scoring chances to prevent the Bears from pushing their season record to 6-1-1.
One of the biggest problem thus far has been the lack of man power as the Blue Demons have been suiting up just 11 skaters, that coupled with the official calling the games tightly have contributed to both losses.
Kennett continues to be strong on its special team posting three power play goals and three short-handed tallies in six games played with senior Emily Lessner (2 assists) and Alec Della Vechia (goal, 2 assists) fueling the attack.
The next week will act as a good measuring stick for where the Blue Demons stack up in the power rankings of the Ches-Mont as they battle Salesianum (1-2-1) on Monday at the Pond then travel to Center Ice in Oaks to take on division leading Methacton (8-0-1).
Check back at the Kennett Times for complete game coverage and weekly recaps.
Blue Demons senior Jeffrey Tinkoff protects the zone during a Bears power play
