Cross-State Rivalry Ignites: Chaminade Flyers Conquer Seton Hall Prep on the Ice

When teams from different states clash on the ice, you know it’s bound to be a spirited affair. Such was the case in a recent boys' ice hockey showdown at Codey Arena in West Orange, where Chaminade High School from New York squared off against New Jersey's own Seton Hall Prep. It was a proper battle, a really engaging contest that ultimately saw the visiting Flyers clinch a hard-fought 4-2 victory over the Pirates.

From the get-go, Chaminade seemed to find their rhythm, establishing an early lead that, while challenged, they never truly relinquished. A significant catalyst for their offense was Jack Gannon, who absolutely lit the lamp twice, showcasing a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Not to be outdone, Colin Phelan and Michael McNulty each chipped in with crucial goals of their own, further solidifying Chaminade's offensive push. Of course, goals don't just appear out of thin air; players like John D'Angelo and John Tigh were busy setting up plays, tallying assists that made those scores possible.

But let's be clear: Seton Hall Prep didn't just roll over. Far from it! They fought tooth and nail, demonstrating the kind of grit and determination we've come to expect from them. Jack Sarson and Luke House each managed to find the back of the net for the Pirates, giving their fans moments of genuine hope and keeping the game's outcome uncertain for a good while. Assists from Will Vitton and Dylan Porges highlighted the team's ability to create opportunities, even under intense pressure. You could feel the crowd's energy surge with every Seton Hall attempt.

Indeed, goaltending was a story in itself. For Chaminade, Max Frias was an absolute wall, making an impressive 25 saves to thwart Seton Hall's persistent attacks. He made some truly critical stops, often at moments when the momentum seemed poised to swing the Pirates' way. On the flip side, Seton Hall Prep's Jack Colantuono was equally heroic between the pipes, facing a barrage of 34 shots and turning away 30 of them. His performance was stellar, preventing the scoreline from widening even further and giving his team every chance to stage a comeback.

Ultimately, while Seton Hall Prep poured on the pressure and displayed considerable effort, it just wasn't quite enough to bridge the gap this time. Chaminade's ability to capitalize on their chances and their robust defensive play, anchored by Frias, proved to be the difference-maker. It was a fantastic showcase of high school hockey talent, offering both teams valuable insights as they navigate their respective seasons. These non-conference games, you know, they're so vital for testing mettle and seeing where you stand early on. And in this particular contest, Chaminade simply had the edge.