Delbarton hockey has had quite the season with tremendous success on the JV and Varsity level. On February 4, the JV hockey team won their 6th consecutive Gordon Conference tournament, defeating St. Augustine 4-1 in the finals. The team finished the year 17-0-2.


 

The Green Wave varsity team claimed its eighth Gordon Cup on Friday night, defeating previously undefeated #1-ranked Don Bosco Prep 2-1 in overtime at Codey Arena in West Orange. Coming off a 6-3 victory in the semifinals against CBA, the Green Wave was ready and eager to take on a Don Bosco squad which defeated Delbarton earlier this season 3-0 and 2-1.

After a fast start for both teams, it was Don Bosco that struck first as Simon Aktar put home a rebound 5:11 into the first period to give the Ironmen a 1-0 lead. Delbarton goaltender Kenny Burgess '18 kept the Green Wave deficit to one goal with some outstanding saves. The Green Wave was unable to capitalize on its two powerplay opportunities, but its penalty kill came up huge, killing off a big powerplay midway through the third period. "I felt like I got a lot better as the game went on and so did our team," Burgess said. "As the game went on, I felt like we took control but my mindset didn't change. For me, keep the puck out, try to control the game and give up no rebounds. My defense did a great job of helping me and keeping shots to the outside."

Delbarton evened the score 5:17 into the third period when defenseman Bayard Hall '20 took a cross-ice pass from Andrew Bosland '18, evening the score at 1-1. From there, the momentum began to shift over to the Green Wave. Delbarton maintained the pressure on Don Bosco but goalie Max Schwarz kept the game at 1-1 with some spectacular saves late in the 3rd period. In overtime, the first big bounce of the period went to Delbarton as Michael Balzartotti '19 found a wide open Andrew Bosland in front of the goal for a one-timer that found the back of the net, giving Delbarton the 2-1 Cup victory.

After a well deserved celebration, this week the Green Wave now turns its attention to the state tournament. Delbarton hits the ice Thursday as players begin their pursuit of another NJ state title. "We're really excited, but we also have in the back of our minds that this isn't our final goal," Burgess said. "We obviously have the state tournament coming up next week, so we'll enjoy it tonight, but then we're going to focus on that next week."

Congratulations to both the JV and Varsity hockey teams on their Gordon Cup titles. GO GREEN WAVE!