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Summit Takes Down Johnson for Union County Hockey Crown

The Summit Hilltoppers earned a 5-1 victory over the Johnson Crusaders in the Union County Championship

Summit took a 2-0 lead over Johnson and never looked back on the way to earning the Union County championship on Saturday, defeating their opponent 5-1. The Hilltoppers victory was hard-fought despite the four goal margin. 

The majority of the opening period was controlled by the Crusaders who were able to possess the puck throughout their three extra man advantages. Johnson controlled play but was unable to come away with any goals. The opportunisitc Summit squad took advantage when Eric Stabler connected for the game's first goal with 2:28 left to play in the period.

Summit built upon their first period momentum and came out of the locker room with an inspired effort on the offensive end, controlling the action and carrying the puck into the zone wiht ease. They were able to connect with 6:40 left to play to take a two goal lead on a Mike Santina wrist shot. 

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Much like Summit in the first period, Johnson was able to dictate the last several minutes, eventually drawing a hooking penalty with 2:52 left to play. The Crusaders were finally able to convert on the power play, getting a Martin Rovnak goal with 1:34 left to play in the period. The goal reinvigorated the Crusaders' and their fans. 

Johnson goalie Brett Mason was impressive throughout the game, not allowing the Hilltoppers to gain any breathing room on the scoreboard. Mason made several beautiful glove saves from point-blank range that kept his team alive.

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A Johnson penalty with 6:21 to play opened the door for Mike Nyitray's goal that gave the Hilltoppers the breathing room that they needed. Summit was not done however, as they would convert for two more chances over the next three minutes with goals from Mike Badgley and Chris Zanelli.

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