ROSELLE, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson HS Crusaders varsity ice hockey team was 4-0 on the season coming into Monday night’s matchup against the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Raiders. They faced off for the second time this season and behind a stellar defensive effort all evening, the Crusaders prevailed by a final score of 3-2 at Warinaco Park in Roselle to remain undefeated on the season.
The Crusaders were in full control of the first period, winning the battles for the puck on the ice and cashing in on two major scoring chances.
Johnson senior Ty Schafer opened the scoring at the 5:00 mark of the first period to give the Crusaders the 1-0 lead.
The Crusaders would double their lead a few minutes later of the period when sophomore Matt Alongi beat Scotch Plains freshman Ryan Lamberta for his fourth goal of the season at the 11:08 mark of the first period, increasing the Johnson lead to 2-0 after the first 15 minutes of play.
“It’s really important because we beat them the first time [November 27] and we kind of had to beat them the second time to ensure that we’re the better team,” Alongi said.
