The Pingry ice hockey team held off Watchung Hills 2-1 Friday night at the Union Sports Arena.

 IN SHORT

The teams played a very even and clean game, only a single penalty was called in each of the periods, that showcased two very solid goalies. Pingry broke the ice at 11:16 of the first period when Nick Branchina took a feed from Patrick Lackey to the glove side of goalie Brett Ralli and flipped it in behind him.  Lackey added another Pingry goal at 6:01 in the second period off an assist from Kyle Walker. 

But the Warriors came out inspired in the third period. At 8:02 of the period, Bobby Andreozzi scored off of a Ryan Charko pass to get Watchung Hills on the board.  And the Warriors pressured goalie Neil Steiner with 10 shots in the period.  At 4:54 in the period, Pingry got its only penalty of the game.  Trying to take advantage of the circumstances, Watchung Hills pulled to goalie and sent six inside the blue line for the duration of the penalty.  Although a valiant effort, Pingry’s defense would hold and the game would close with Pingry up 2-1.

BIG BLUE OF THE GAME

Neil Steiner—Steiner was strong in goal, turning away 21 of 22 shots including the Warriors' six-skater play in the third period.

COACH’S TAKE

“They played a great game. They really showed up, they played hard and they have some very talented players.  And their goalie is dynamite.  He played very very well.  We did well tonight. It was a fun game for both teams.”—Pingry head coach John Magadini

THEY SAID IT

“We kept up the pressure pretty well most of the time.  But we had a couple lapses.  It was good to come out with a ‘W’.”—Goalie Neil Steiner

UP NEXT—Pingry will host Montclair Kimberley Academy Wednesday at Bridgewater Sports Arena at 3:15 p.m.