Portledge in the Now.

Season Opener Recap

The Portledge Varsity Boys Hockey team took to the ice for the first time this 2017-18 season on Monday night in front of about 300 fans and flexed their muscles against rival Chaminade, cruising to a 7-1 victory. When asked about the emotions before the contest in the locker room, forward Hunter Rossi ‘20 said, “We were all excited. It was a big game and everyone was ready.” Well, the Panthers were ready alright, especially forward and Northeastern University commit Brandon Chabrier ‘20, who notched his first of likely many goals of the season. With the 1-0 lead the boys were just getting started as Rossi would score twice in his debut with the Panthers. When asked about his 2 goal night he said, “It was really cool but it was mostly the team effort as my linemate Vitaly Levyy ‘21 made a couple of great passes. It really was just a great team effort.”

Things got a bit heated at the end of the second frame as players came together. When new Head Coach Pasko Skarica was asked about not letting emotions distract you from the overall goal he responded, “Hockey is a passionate game and this stuff happens, but I just told the guys to stay focused, stay out of the box and move on with the game.” When this year started the lack of upperclassmen was an issue but it was not a barrier for this team last night as Jeremy Wilmer ‘21 scored his first 2 goals as a Panther. When asked about the demand for the younger guys needing to step up and seeing that in today's game Skarica added, “It’s great to see some of the younger guys have success tonight and it’s going to be crucial for that to continue in order to have a successful season.” Charlie Ritter ‘18 scored his first of the season as did Levyy ‘21, giving Portledge a huge advantage on the scoreboard. Another first for a Portledge Panther was Tucker Corwen's '21 first goal of his career as he chipped in on a nice one timer from the slot early in the third. 

Most of the team's success can be linked to outstanding goaltending by Vincent Salgado ‘19 as he held the Flyers to only one goal in the game. When asked about the victory he told me, “It’s great to get that first W but we have a big test tomorrow against Delbarton.” When asked about what having a comfortable lead feels like, the Portledge netminder added, “I try not to think of it like that, I just worry about stopping the puck cause that’s what I’m here to do.” Being one of the more seasoned players with the team and seeing the younger guys have success meant a lot to Salgado as he told me, “It’s always great to see that and to see them contribute like that is awesome. Let’s just hope it continues.” Coach Skarica added, “This win was big as we got our feet wet but tomorrow is a big game.” A tough game it is as the boys head to New Jersey to face Delbarton School in a non-league contest. When asked about the next challenge Skarica told me, “They are a very good team, they are competitive with 4 full lines, so we just have to play smart, compete, execute, and capitalize in the offensive zone and we should be ready.” With a convincing 7-1 rivalry game win on Monday night at Beaver Dam, the Portledge Panthers look to carry that momentum to Delbarton Tuesday as they try to get a win on the road before the Thanksgiving break.
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