Hillsborough Hockey Team succeeded in taking a dub against Watchung Hills in the annual Teddy Bear Toss Game Friday Dec. 13. Students attending the game threw many teddy bears after the team’s first goal. Teddy bears thrown on the ice during the game were donated to 101.5 for their Feel Better Bear program.

A student that attended expressed her experience at the game. “It was so exciting!” senior Ashley Bevacqua said. “It’s good knowing people were supporting a good cause, while also being there for the hockey team.”
A regular contributor to game points, junior Nathan Bienstock scored 2 goals, while also managing to assist 3 goals, for a gain of 5 points. Bienstock shared his gameday focus as clear headed. “Not much was going through my mind. I usually try not to think much when I play,” he said.
Head Coach Matt Janos talked more about his team’s mindset and determination to succeed. “Less focus on who our opponent is, and more emphasis on executing our structure and scheme,” Janos said. “The idea is to be a well-oiled machine come playoff time, so being able to master our systems in all three zones throughout the season will allow us to instinctively be in the right spots when the game matters most.”
Senior goaltender Ryan Gear ended the game with 21 saves against Watchung Hills.
Focused on charity, the team has also donated $1000 to Happiness is Camping in honor of cancer survivor and teammate Arjun Jain and $1000 to International Myeloma Foundation in memory of Patti Janos, the coach’s late mother who lost her battle to cancer in 2024.
With a 12-9 record, the team will advance to the semi-finals and compete against other teams in the Skyland Conference. The team’s record now is 12-9. Friday, they face North Hunterdon at home at the Proskate ice arena. Friday, they go up against Scotch Plains, which will be away at Union Ice rink.