Family and students filled the stands to support the Raiders playing on the ice Dec. 10 at the Bridgewater Sports Arena. The Raiders were aware of how strenuous the game would be, the night ended with a final score of 3-0. Fans aired their pride by slamming fists against the glass and shouting throughout the game no matter the outcome.
“You can learn more from a loss than you can from a win,” said head coach Matthew Janos. “We liked our game this night, though we didn’t get the result we wanted, if we play this way moving forward we’ll win more than we lose.”
As the game started, Ridge came out with an aggressive playing style, slamming players into the wall and breaking hockey sticks. Hillsborough was focused on their offense strength by staying spread out and completing their passes. As time was running out, tensions were rising. A penalty was given to No. 25 from Ridge and No. 16 senior Brody Horner from Hillsborough for roughing with only one minute left. The period ended with Ridge earning 5 shots on goal while Hillsborough had 12, the score remained at 0-0.
Sophomore goalkeeper Danny Lernerman was quick with the saves he made that night. He did this by staying focused throughout the game showing his training. “Although we did not win the game, the loss against Ridge was a big step and a learning moment for our team,” Lernerman said. “For most of the game our team outshot, outworked and held control, proving to us that we can compete with some of the top teams in the league.”
Once the second period began, energy was sky high on the ice. Hillsborough was determined to be first on the scoreboard, becoming more physical with their opponents. The puck glided across the ice. It was clear neither teams were letting up, and the game consisted of back and forth. At 4:22, Ridge made their mark on the scoreboard putting the score at 1-0. The Red Devils began to open up more and accomplished another goal shortly after. The period came to a close with Ridge having 14 shots on goal while Hillsborough led with 21.
The ice was clearing out when a fight was close to breaking out between two players: one from Ridge and one from Hillsborough. Referees were quick to separate the opponents and made sure to keep the game civilized.
It was a quick third and final period. Ridge caused two sticks to snap during the game, both for Hillsborough players to pick up the pieces. A minor penalty for Hillsborough at 7:30 left them shorthanded with one player. Using it to their advantage, Ridge sent the puck into the goal for the last one of the night. The game went to Ridge, 3-0.
“We outshot our opponent 35-21, and executed the systems very well. It’s only a matter of time, puck luck in this sport tends to even out,” said Janos.
With a season record of 12-10-2 in the Skyland division, the Raiders are set to take part in the 2026 NJSIAA Ice Hockey South Public Tournament Monday. They will face Southern, a team with an overall record of 9-12-2.
