The Upper Montgomery Lightning junior varsity will bring its undefeated record into Wednesday afternoon’s tilt with Rockville. Game time is 4:15 pm at Cabin John Ice Rink. Although the Rams are part of the Montgomery Hockey Conference, the game between the teams will be recorded as a non-conference matchup. Even so, the Lightning will need to use the same effort and teamwork that has led to their fast start to help propel Upper Montgomery to victory once again. After its most recent win over the BCC Barons, the Lightning will need to demonstrate that they can handle success. The team must continue to pile up victories throughout the middle portion of the regular season schedule.
The Lightning will be looking to once again play a complete game. Ninth grade netminder Ilan Shterenberg has authored two shutouts over his first three career games, all victories, and he will be looking to continue his strong play. Shterenberg’s statistics over the first three games of the season are an eye popping 0.67 goals against average and a .960 save percentage. Shterenberg was tested against BCC and another strong goaltending effort will bolster Upper Montgomery’s chances on Wednesday afternoon. In net for the Rams will be Alexander Crotzer-Scartascini. He has played in each game for the Rams posting a 5.40 goals against average and an .832 save percentage.
If Upper Montgomery brings the effort and hustle displayed against Whitman and BCC, the team should be in good shape. Offensively for the Lightning, Josh Nadler has led the way scoring in each of the first three games of the season. TJ Gottesman leads the team in points with four on two goals and two assists. Sean Levine has three points, and the depth scoring came through against the Barons with AJ Marks netting his first goal of the season and Aiden Zheng scoring his first career high school goal. Old Upper Montgomery friend Rowen Pierson leads the Rams in goals with two. Rockville has had difficulty scoring this season with only one goal in four games before their six goal explosion against Churchill in their last game.
On defense the Lightning’s experienced defenders are beginning to jell. Seniors Sean Levine and Jake Roth will see extensive action. Junior offensive minded defender Cole Howerton who has created many scoring chances will log heavy minutes once again. He will likely pair with hulking defensive defender Patrick Sell. Ninth grade defenders Miles Wendland and Avery Evans have bright futures with the program. Evans playing in her first game against BCC played very well. Wendland will play in all situations, and he has already been a frequent call up to play in varsity games this season.
Upper Montgomery will need to maintain focus throughout the entire game to put away the pesky Rams. This is something the team did not do very well against Northwest/Quince Orchard earlier this season when the Lightning played another opponent that did not match up with Upper Montgomery’s talent. Every game is an opportunity to shine and impress the coaching staff. Junior varsity student athletes need to demonstrate that they deserve additional ice time and call ups to participate in varsity game competition. Thus, each game, each shift, the student athletes need to play within the system and gain the coaching staff’s trust that they can contribute at the next level.
Upper Montgomery junior varsity will be looking to extend their unbeaten record with a victory over the Rams. The Lightning will need to take charge early and grasp the momentum. Then, the team will need to continue playing a complete game to finish off what looks to be an inferior opponent. Shterenberg will need to remain sharp and not develop bad habits. If the Lightning wait around and play a loose style of hockey, the game will be closer than it needs to be.
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