It wasn't an adjustment or an epiphany.
Coach John Costello said Manasquan is just waking up.
“To start the game, we ran around a lot trying to keep the puck out. We weren't doing anything offensive,” Costello said. “We talked about getting the game back.”
Glimps of that were visible early on and on full display in the third period, when the Big Blue Warriors scored four goals in a span of 5 minutes, 27 seconds. This increased offensive power earned Manasquan a 7-2 victory over Ocean Township at Jersey Shore Arena in Wall Township, earning a berth in the NJSIAA Public Co-op South Tournament championship game.
Manasquan (19-5), the second seed in the tournament, will play top-seeded Governor Livingston on Thursday for the sectional title.
In the first period it seemed unlikely. Manasquan managed to withstand only sporadic pressure against the Spartans thanks to the play of goaltender Aidan DiStefano, who made 34 saves.
“He did everything he could for us all season,” Costello said. “And he stood tall in this game, which was a huge success.”
Manasquan took the lead late in the first period on a goal from Dylan Vouteras.
Ocean responded three minutes later with a deflection goal from Leo Labouche, but Jacques Buonato scored early in the second period to break the tie.
After that, Ocean couldn't keep up the pace.
“It was a 1-1 game, so we knew we had no choice but to score the second goal,” Buonato said. “We just worked from corner to corner. We knew who we had to give the puck to. We know we're at our best when we play our game, so we're going to play our game. That's what we did. We got the puck and buried it. I walked down and saw the goalie down, so I put the roof over him.”
Moments later, Sam Ianella converted a pass from Brendan Shaughnessy for a one-timer to make it 3-1.
Ocean then fired back once more. Mason Ansell scored a deflection goal on the power play with 3:58 left in the second period, but Manasquan took control in the third period.
Shaughnessy scored his own power play goal to make it 4-2.
“It was 4-on-3 and we were on the power play, so we knew we had to put a point in,” Shaughnessy said. “I got the puck at the half wall, walked in, shot it and scored. The second one shut us down late in the game. Even our seniors who don't play a lot got involved in the game. It felt very good.”
There were two during Shaughnessy's season on the 28th and 29th. Buonato made it 5-2 with his second point of the night and 31st of the season. Just two minutes later, Shay Jardine tipped in Shaughnessy's centering pass.
“They gave us a penalty right away (in the third period). Those referees are good referees,” Ocean coach Mike Ryan said. “I don't agree with the call on the cross-check at the start of the third period. They took it and really started moving.”
Ocean finished the season with a record of 14 wins and 8 losses. The divisional final spot means this team is the most successful team in his 15-year history of the program.
“I'll never forget the fact that we overcame whatever little adversity we faced,” Ryan said. “In Game 3, we lost one of our best players, our top line guy, to an ACL injury. We overcame it. I remember the last time we didn't have a sick guy on the roster. No. We got through it. Everyone stepped up. We had freshmen come in and fill roles that freshmen don't normally fill. So the resiliency and willingness to do what it takes. , that's what I remember from this team.”
Manasquan has not played against Governor Livingston this season. But the Warriors know they'll be the underdog team this time around.
“I think that's one of the things that tells them, listen to them, they're a really good team. They're two-time defending champions. They're looking for a third guy. So , we know that if we join we will be the underdogs. We have to play their game. We have to match their pace. That's the key for us. I think it's going to be. We haven't seen a pace like this in a while – probably early in the season when we played against teams like Ridge and (Rumson-Fair Haven). We'll see that pace. .”
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