Hillsborough faced Hopewell Valley on Dec. 19 and celebrated their first shutout of the season with a final score of 5-0. The team coming off of a losing streak has been finding their opportunities and proving themselves to be a strong team. The game was a tight play and standbyers were tense with anticipation to see what would happen next.
The Raiders took control of the game playing strong offensively while holding onto their defense. Just three minutes into the game, Senior Ansh Agarwal was first to get the puck in the goal bringing the score to 1-0. They kept the energy up on the ice all throughout the first period. Time was running out but that wasn’t stopping this team. Senior Brody Horner looked for an opening with only 50 seconds left and scored with assists from freshman Advit Agarwal and sophomore James Casey. Finishing the first period the Raiders were determined to hold onto their 2-0 lead.
Throughout the game players have to stay focused on everything they’re doing and communicate that with their teammates. “I’d say it’s a lot of reading and reacting to what’s going on around you and acting on your instincts,” said Horner.
Going into the second period, Hillsborough wasn’t letting down. They continued to complete their passes and the puck was in their favor. Advit passed to Senior Colin Marly where he was able to score the third goal of the night nine minutes into the period. The game had players slamming one another into the barricaded rink fighting for the puck.
With five minutes remaining on the scoreboard, a fight broke out between two players, each on a different team. Hopewell Valley grew more frustrated throughout the game based on their playing style, eager to get on the scoreboard. The period came to an end with Hillsborough still leading, now 3-0.
Third period and the Raiders were staying focused on winning this game. Horner earned another goal for Hillsborough early into the period bringing the team to 4-0. Advit being as useful as he is, with the most assists in this game, the other team took notice and continuously shoved him around. That didn’t stop him from assisting sophomore Colton King in the last goal of the night.
The Raiders ran the clock out and the game ended with a successful win 5-0.
“The team has well surpassed expectations for this part of the season,” said head coach Matthew Janos. “The way we are playing, we believe we can compete with anyone in the state.”
Their regular season ended with phenomenal 12-10-2 and the team isn’t letting down just yet. Making their way to sectionals, Hillsborough will face Southern High School in the 2026 NJSIAA Ice Hockey Sectional Tournament for the winners cup.
