Boys Ice Hockey Loses to Johnson

Several Hilltoppers turned in strong performances but in the end it wasn't enough as the Summit fell to Albert L. Johnson High School 5-3 in Monday's Cron Tournament's semi-final game.

Trevor Silverstein recorded a hat trick, Timmy Yager had two assists, and Jeff Wycoff and Bobby Lawrence were credited with one apiece.  It still was not enough to win the game.

"We didn't play our 'A' game," said head coach Keith Nixon. "There's no question about that."

The Hilltoppers came out after a week off looking a little mechanical.  They eased into the game within a couple minutes of play, but Johnson took full advantage of the opportunity.  A holding call against Summit set up Johnson's first scoring opportunity.  Johnson's Nick Villaverde scored on the power play, just 1:53 into the game.

Johnson continued with the all-out attack on Summit goaltender Brandon Jackson.  Villaverde would score again 2:35 into the first period. 

The Hilltoppers began to come alive after that goal.

Silverstein got his first goal of the night off a pass from Timmy Yager with 8:34 left in the first period.  The Hilltoppers began to look more like the team that they have proven they are.  As time ran out in the first period, the Hilltoppers went in the locker room to hear a very clear message from their coaches.

"We talked about composure," said Coach Nixon. "We looked like we were nervous."

Unfortunately, the Hilltoppers were unable to capitalize on a two-man advantage power play, then a penalty set Johnson up for another power play goal, this time from Salvatore DeMarzo.  Just over a minute later Silverstein put away his second goal off assists from Timmy Yager and Jeff Wycoff with 2:59 left in the second period, but Summit was still behind 2-3.

The Hilltoppers began to settle down after that and for a brief time in the second period it looked as though a whole new team was on the ice.  Defenseman Travis Herden really stepped up and led the defense as they held Johnson to just six shots in the second period.  As the teams trudged back into the locker room they were in a virtual dead heat.

Silverstein scored his final goal of the night on a power play 2:15 into the third period off an assist from Bobby Lawrence.  Despite great hustle in the third period from teammates Wycoff and Jon Santina, the Hilltoppers were unable to score again.

Villaverde and DeMarzo would each score again in the third period, giving Johnson the win.

"We had spurts of good individual energy, but as a line we had trouble sustaining pressure," Nixon said. "For us to be successful all three players have to go out and work in concert with each other."

Summit will play in the consolation game on Wednesday night against rival Westfield at Warinanco.