Chandler proves he’s captain’s material for Paul VI
WEST WINDSOR » Despite the fact Cameron Chandler is just a junior, Nick Miller, the Paul VI ice hockey coach, felt very comfortable handing Chandler a letter for his jersey.
Chandler accepted the captain’s role and is justifying the coach’s faith at the most crucial time of the season.
Always providing a spark and leadership Chandler led the way as the Eagles blanked Hopewell Valley, 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the Mercer County Tournament on Wednesday night at Mercer County Park.
It’s been a great week for any team associated with the nickname Eagles and Paul VI will look to continue their winning ways in the semifinals against four-time defending champion, Hun next Tuesday.
“We played solid and got the pucks out when we needed to,” said Chandler. “I knew I had to step up this season. Once we got the early lead we got a little more confident.”
Paul Vi caged two in the first period, they survived a penalty laden second period capping it off with a shorthanded goal and got one in the final period.
“We just wanted to play our game and stay with what we have been doing,” said Miller. “Whenever we’ve had success this season it’s been because we are unselfish and disciplined.”
While the Eagles (9-2-1) are streaking winning six of eight it has been a struggle for the Bulldogs (7-7-5) going 1-7-3 since starting the season 6-0-2.
“I don’t think we got terribly outplayed,” said Hopewell Valley coach Jeff Radice. “We just had some glaring mistakes and they made us pay for them. We just can’t seem to break through.”
Bailey Guetens paced the Eagles with a pair of goals while Chandler, Matt Carson and Dalton Foster all had single tallies.
Chandler, Guetens, James Goffredo, Santo Loperfido and Caroline Goffredo all had assists for the Eagles.
When havoc seems to take over on the ice, Chandler knows it time to live up to the “C” on his jersey.
“I know we have to keep our poise and not get all caught up in it,” Chandler said. “This is the best time of the year and you have to be ready to step up all the time.’”
It’s that ability of Chandler’s that prompted Miller to give Chandler the leadership role.
“He always gives us a tremendous spark and a very unselfish player,” said Miller of Chandler. “He gets everyone involved and he is our leader, on and off the ice.”
Hopewell (7-7-5) Paul VI (9-2-1) Goals — Assists —
Guetens 2, Foster, Carson, Chandler (PVI). Chandler 2, JGoffredo, CGoffredo, Loperfido, Guetens (PVI).
30 (HV). 17 (PVI).
Meredith 12 (HV). Joyce 30 (PVI).
Shots — Saves — 0 2 0 0— 2 1— 0 5
PRINCETON 4, ROBBINSVILLE 3 (OT)
Keith Goldberg took a pass from Aidan Trainor and scored 1:22 in overtime to give the No. 2 Little Tigers a thrilling victory over the No. 7 Ravens.
Princeton will face the winner of No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 6 West Windsor-Plainsboro in Tuesday’s semifinals
The Ravens (6-9-5), who got exceptional play from Justin Cooper in the goal, grabbed a 2-0 lead early in the second period on goals from Jack Pallitto and Liam Hartmann.
The Tigers (15-6-2) evened it at 2-2 as Trainor and Ben Drezner scored only to see the Ravens get another Pallitto goal with 1:00 left in the second.
Princeton tied it at 3-3 when Trainor got the puck in front and sent it through a screen to set up the overtime period.