The Randolph Rams Hockey team stayed undefeated Thursday night with a close 3-1 win against the Morristown Colonials. Morristown almost pulled off the upset, giving the Rams their toughest test in the Mennen Divison so far this year.
Randolph quickly jumped out to an early lead in the first period when junior forward Jake Campbell finished off a pass from sophomore Vinny Crisafulli. The Rams were off and running just minutes into the 1st Period, with their high-powered offense setting the tone.
The Rams strike first as Jake Campbell finds the back of the net on a feed from Vinny Crisafulli it’s 1-0 @RandolphHockey early in the first.@JSNSPORTINGNEWS pic.twitter.com/Dlv3yiB0Mj
— Bobby Santoro (@bsantoro112) January 25, 2024
The Colonials quickly responded when senior defenseman Brody Toye got one by Randolph goalie John Krynicki to even up the score at one a piece, with Liam Wilson getting the assist. Morristown did what few teams have been able to after Randolph jumped out to an early lead and responded quickly with a score of their own.
Just like that Morristown ties it up on a goal by Brody Toye with Liam Wilson on the assist and it’s 1-1 with 8 minutes left in the 1st period. @Motown_Hockey @JSNSPORTINGNEWS pic.twitter.com/AMtMWWKKzR
— Bobby Santoro (@bsantoro112) January 25, 2024
The momentum was short-lived, though, as the Rams responded quickly, going up 2-1 off a Dan Sharkey goal with assists by Jase Zangara and Andrew George.
Scoring coming in waves tonight as Randolph retakes the lead on a goal by Dan Sharkey off the assists from Jase Zangera and Andrew George 2-1 @RandolphHockey @JSNSPORTINGNEWS pic.twitter.com/kR3puxO6Y7
— Bobby Santoro (@bsantoro112) January 25, 2024
Randolph started to control the puck and kept putting it on the net, but Morristown Goalie Thatcher Neville stepped up and stopped every shot that came his way. The Colonials had a massive penalty kill to end the 1st period, keeping it at a 2-1 game.
Another huge save from @Motown_Hockey goalie Thatcher Neville to keep it a 1 score game@JSNSPORTINGNEWS pic.twitter.com/vvZYNW5GO1
— Bobby Santoro (@bsantoro112) January 25, 2024
The 2nd period saw great defense and amazing saves by both goalies. While the 1st period had everyone thinking we would be in for a high scoring game, another goal wasn’t scored until late in the 3rd.
Morristown had to pull Neville with a little over a minute left in the game. The Colonials couldn’t get their final shots on goal past Krynicki and Dan Sharkey scored the empty net goal on an assist from Ashton Feinberg to put the game away.
For Morristown, Thatcher Neville had himself an impressive night despite the loss with 22 saves allowing only 2 goals. The Colonials defense and goalie allowed the lowest goal total to Randolph so far this year.
With the win, Randolph improves to 13-0-1 on the year remaining unbeaten with 4 games left in the season.
Rams head coach Rich McLaughlin earned his 497th win and his team looks poised to get him to that legendary 500th win. Randolph will travel to Hunterdon Central this Friday at 8:15 pm.
The Colonials won’t take the ice until Monday night when they square off with crosstown rival Morristown-Beard.
