Don Bosco JV Completes Double Championship Repeat
After finishing the 2018-19 with a 27-2 record and winning their first JV Gordon Cup Championship and second Ice Vault JV League Championship. The 2019-20 Ironmen set out to defend both of their titles. After a rocky start, dropping games to Gordon Conference foes Seton Hall Prep, Delbarton and Bergen Catholic, the team came together and put on an unbelievable 8-0-2 run to close out the regular season. First up in the Gordon Cup semifinals, the Ironmen would take on rival Delbarton. After a strong 2 periods, the Ironmen held a 2-0 lead on the Green Wave. A strong third for the Green Wave knotted the contest, which brought the fans to their feet for a 3 on 3 overtime.
After several high danger scoring chances for both teams, it would end in a tie and head to a shootout. Don Bosco won the shootout 3-0, while saving all 5 shots. With their semifinal win secured, the Ironmen would head down to CBA for a rematch of last year’s final.
The first period saw each team trade scoring chances, but the goalies stood tall and neither team found the back of the net. However, midway through the second, Bosco broke through to take a 1-0 lead. Playing their second game in as many nights, Bosco shut down CBA through the next 15 minutes leaning on their strong defensive play and outstanding goal
DBP JV Repeats as Gordon Cup Champions
tending. CBA, who heavily out shot the Ironmen, had one final chance with a 5 on 3 late in the third. The Colts almost took the game to overtime, but they rang one of the crossbar and the Ironmen closed out the game and hoisted their second JV Gordon Cup, winning a 1-0 thriller.
Moving on to the Ice Vault league playoffs, Bosco had their sights on a rematch with Bergen Catholic, but the Crusaders were upset by St. Joseph Regional in the first round. During the tournament, the Ironmen utilized all 3 goalies and 30 skaters to propel them to wins over West Essex and Ramsey. The title game matched Bosco up against a familiar opponent in SJR. Through two periods, Don Bosco dominated and out shot the Green Knights leading 3-1 after two periods. However, SJR would not go away quietly. Sloppy play and a costly too many men penalty would tie the game in the final two minutes of regulation. After a quick break following the end of the third, the Ironmen reset and headed into another 3 on 3 playoff overtime. A clean opening faceoff win is all Don Bosco would need as they took possession in the zone and only needed 14 seconds to score the game winner and win their second straight Ice Vault League Championship.
Congrats to all 33 JV players for a great year and finishing with 18-8-2 record, winning back to back JV Gordon Cups and Ice Vault League Championships.