Hillsborough Raider ice hockey has performed exceptionally well as we pass the mid way point of the season. Despite losing the bid for a perfect season, the team boasts an outstanding  12-4-1 record so far.

The Raiders have posted dominating outings to start the new year. They stand at 4-1 since 2019 started and the team is intent on continuing strong. Key games in this run include wins against Montgomery and Hunterdon Central.

Rival match ups are always important and the team managed to secure two victories in each. Against the Cougars and Red Devils, the Raiders scored a combined 17 goals, and limited their opponents to just two scores. Hillsborough dominated the scoreboard in Montgomery by shutting them out; the game was cut short due to the mercy rule when the score hit 10-0.

The Hunterdon Central win was key to their success because the Raiders lost to them early in the season. Freshman goalie Jason LoRicco anchored the team in net with 20 saves while junior forward Jude Kurtas did the dirty work netting 4 goals, and dropping two assists.

Both games were examples of the Raiders executing impressively, and showing their authority in the Skyland Conference.

Kurtas has remained a key component in the team’s offensive attack. Kurtas has accumulated 32 goals and 30 assists this season, which has contributed greatly to the success of the team.

One of their toughest opponents this year has been Pingry, who is responsible for two of their four losses. In their last game, they lost to the private school 6-0.

Despite this, the team is moving forward, ranked No. 17 in the state, and is on the hunt for states.

“The boys are boolin’ this year,” senior defenseman Matt Palmer said. “We are hoping to keep the horses galloping through states and maybe cop a ring.”