Freshman Eric Vivinetto fires a shot on goal in NJSIAA first round play
Coming off a tough loss in the Gordon Cup finals, Don Bosco entered the NJSIAA round of 16 as the number two seed. Taking on a familiar Gordon Conference foe Pope John for the third time on the season, their first round game would not be easy. “Pope John is well coached and there is a familiarity level with both teams,” said Head Coach Greg Toskos. “Brownie does a great job with his guys and we’ve played some nail biting state playoff games the past few years against them to say the least. We don’t ever over look an opponent, but that is even more the case tonight, because we know what they’re capable of,” said Toskos.
Junior Kevin Rose stopped 14 of 15 shots in NJSIAA first round match up vs Pope John
The Ironmen came out firing in the first period, peppering Pope John with 18 shots, but only managed one goal. Freshman Ryan Fine (7g, 12a) buried a chance off a nice feed from Junior Connor Sedlak (18g, 19a) and Sophomore defenseman Lukas Klemm (6g, 5a). Bosco would continue the offensive display, adding another 26 shots in the second period, but were denied each time. However, Junior goaltender Kevin Rose, was just as good for the Ironmen, stopping all 10 shots he faced through two periods. Making his 12th start of the year, while posting a 93.2% save percentage and a 1.2 GAA, Rose kept the Lions off the scoreboard until a power play opportunity in the third, found the back of the net to tie the game at one.
But the Ironmen would not be out done on this night. Answering with two goals twenty seconds apart as two Freshman led the way for Bosco. Eric Vivinetto (3g, 17a) ripped a shot from the left circle off a pass from Senior Captains Hunter McGee (5g, 13a) and Will Fortescue (4g, 18a) to give Don Bosco the lead. Moments later, Sal Guzzo (9g, 12a) would add an insurance goal, putting Bosco up for good off a feed from McGee and Junior Drew Hansen (1g, 8a).
Don Bosco continues its NJSIAA Non-Public title defense on Monday March 2, 8:15 pm vs Pingry at the Ice Vault