Author: chucklevine

The Upper Montgomery Lightning junior varsity had gone almost two full regular seasons without a loss prior to Friday night’s contest versus BCC. For a long time it appeared as if the long undefeated streak of sixteen games (12-0-4) would remain intact. Several late costly miscues doomed the Lightning as they fell to the Barons by a score of 4-3 at Cabin John Ice Rink. The loss brings Upper Montgomery’s record on the season to 1-1-1, squarely in the middle of the conference standings.

The first period was chaotic with a lack of positionally sound hockey being played by both teams. Scramble hockey and puck chasing would be apt descriptions of the style of play. As both teams utilized many younger ninth graders and sophomores in their lineup it was understandable especially in an early season matchup with all programs not having had many practices or games yet. But, it did make for some disjointed hockey. Both goalies, Porter Stutsrim-Lyons for the Lightning and fellow ninth grade netminder Blake Schoenebeck for the Barons played well making timely saves when counted upon.

BCC was awarded the first powerplay of the game when Upper Montgomery ninth grade forward Max Israfilbek was called for a roughing minor mid way through the opening period. BCC maintained pressure in the Lightning offensive zone pinning the Lightning penalty killers and forcing turnovers that were kept in the offensive zone. It was not until thirty seconds remained in the powerplay that Upper Montgomery was able to ice the puck to relieve the pressure. While the Lightning were shorthanded, Stutsrim-Lyons made two nice positionally sound saves to thwart the Barons.

With three and a half minutes remaining in the first period, Upper Montgomery jumped out in front. Two poor BCC defensive zone clears were kept in the offensive end by Lightning sophomore defender Avery Evans. The second one leading directly to Upper Montgomery’s opening goal. The first bad clear was kept in at the left point by Evans. Her wrist shot through traffic was saved by Schoenebeck’s goalie stick. The puck bounced to the right side of the net where Upper Montgomery ninth grade forward Siddy Bhasin shot from a bad angle. Schoenebeck made a save with his chest with the puck winding up behind the BCC net. Bhasin took the puck around the net from right to left. His pass to the slot was deflected by the Barons defense over to the left corner. Under pressure from Bhasin, the BCC defender was not able to get enough behind the attempted defensive clear. Evans kept the puck in at the left point once again. Her second wrist shot was deflected by Bhasin into the slot where the puck hit a BCC defender’s skate and came right back to him. From six feet in front of the net with Schoenebeck on the move to follow the puck headed to the right side of the ice, Bhasin had all kinds of open net near side to easily deposit the puck. Shots on goal in the opening period were BCC with ten and Upper Montgomery with nine.

Upper Montgomery again played hard during the second period. The game began to have the feel of last year’s undefeated Lightning performances. Defensive clears coupled with timely scoring. The Lightning were once again shorthanded when junior forward Jason Woodman was called for a checking from behind penalty. In addition to the minor penalty, Woodman was assessed the automatic ten minute misconduct penalty that comes with a check from behind. Upper Montgomery faired much better on the second BCC powerplay keeping the Barons’ offensive chances from the outside and clearing the defensive zone on several occasions.

Two minutes after BCC’s second powerplay ended, the Barons were right back on the extra skater advantage. This time, Lightning defender and senior captain Cole Howerton was called for cross checking when he stood up an attacking Barons forward entering the Upper Montgomery defensive zone. The officials believed that Howerton had raised his arms to deliver a hit toward the onrushing BCC skater. It was an iffy or borderline penalty call and the Upper Montgomery coaching staff was not fond of the minor penalty determination. No damage was done as Upper Montgomery extended their season plus penalty killing streak to 36 consecutive opponents powerplays.

As the clocked ticked down to a minute and a half remaining in the second period, BCC converted on a three on two rush up ice to even the score at one. BCC forward Julia Reitz led the rush up the center of the ice. As she entered the Upper Montgomery defensive zone she sent a pass to the right wing to fellow forward Samuel Lane. From the top of the right faceoff circle, Lane fired a cross ice pass to the back left goal post. The pass was right on the money for Ramin Jacobs and he extended his stick to deflect a backhand tap up and over the extended right leg pad of Stutsrim-Lyons from inside the goal crease circle.

As the second period wound down, Upper Montgomery was presented with their only powerplay opportunity of the game. Jacobs was called for a two minute minor penalty for interference with one minute remaining in the period. Upper Montgomery failed to convert leaving the score tied at one at the conclusion of the second period, a frame in which the Lightning were outshot nine to three and BCC had the territorial advantage due to the consecutive middle of the period powerplays.

The third period is one that the Lightning would like to play all over again. Upper Montgomery failed to convert on the back half of the carryover powerplay opportunity. Then, Lightning senior defender Patrick Sell took a tripping penalty after getting his stick caught underneath a BCC forward’s skates. Seven seconds later the Barons were in the lead and Upper Montgomery’s long penalty killing streak was finished. Off of the faceoff in the left faceoff circle fronting Stutsrim-Lyons, BCC center Ryan Duffy won the draw cleanly back to the left point to defender David High. With Upper Montgomery’s AJ Marks backing down into a tight box to protect the goal, High skated in several steps to the top of the left faceoff circle where he fired a rising wrist shot near side. Inadvertently, Marks had perfectly screened Stutsrim-Lyons and High’s shot went over his right shoulder. Stutsrim-Lyons never moved and never saw the shot.

BCC’s lead lasted ninety seconds before the Lightning had tied the game back up at two. Lightning ninth grade defender Luke Hudson skating toward his own goal sent the puck around the net from right to left to his defensive partner sophomore Miles Wendland. Wendland dug the puck out from the boards and sent a backhand pitch continuing the puck up the right wing boards to Bhasin just inside his defensive blue line. Bhasin turned and sent a zone breakout pass to Lightning sophomore forward Jake Hudson coming up the center of the ice. Hudson skated down the left wing and pulled up a few feet after entering the offensive zone. He let loose with a long range wrist shot that went along the ice and got past Schoenebeck’s left leg pad just inside the far right goal post. Hudson’s goal tied him with Bhasin for the team lead with three.

For the next three and a half minutes the teams traded offensive chances, the most back and forth the game had been up until that point in time. A Lightning outlet pass found junior forward Jason Woodman skating down the center of the ice toward the offensive zone. Two BCC defenders applied pressure as Woodman headed up the ice. As the puck traveled down the ice ahead of the skaters, Schoenebeck came out to play the puck away from Woodman. Woodman did his best to avoid Schoenebeck but did brush into him on the way past. BCC forward Nicholas Mencher took exception to the contact on his goalie and cross checked Woodman in the back while he was prone on the ice. Completely out of character, Woodman rolled over and kicked out his skate toward Mencher making contact with his midsection.

Woodman was assessed a five minute major penalty for kicking and a game misconduct. Adding the two penalties in addition to the two penalties Woodman took at the beginning of the second period Woodman was assessed a second game misconduct for accumulating four penalties in a game. With USA Hockey’s emphasis on skate safety and now requiring all student athletes playing in youth leagues to mandate the wearing of neck guards as a safety measure, it is anticipated that Woodman will receive a multiple game supplemental disciplinary suspension from the Montgomery Hockey Conference.

After Mencher’s two minute minor penalty expired, the Barons were on to their fifth powerplay of the evening. A major penalty allows a team to score as many goals with the extra skater as they can and if the team with the major powerplay does score, they remain on the powerplay. The penalized skater is not permitted to return to the ice until the full five minutes of the penalty have expired. Upper Montgomery did a fine job killing off the first two minutes of the remainder of the powerplay. Then, for the second consecutive shorthanded situation, the Lightning gave up a powerplay goal.

Off of a faceoff in the left faceoff circle in the Upper Montgomery defensive zone, the Lightning won the draw. Upper Montgomery’s clearing icing attempt up the center of the ice hit Duffy in the stomach. The puck bounded to the right wing boards where it was kept in the zone by Julia Reitz. She played the puck up the boards to Duffy on the right wing. Duffy sent the puck down low to Lane in the right corner. Lane began skating as if he was going behind the net. As he entered the goalie quadrangle behind the goal line he sent a pass out into the slot area. From within ten feet of the goal, Jacobs got off a sneaky low shot along the ice into a narrow gap between Stutsrim-Lyons’s left toe and the right goal post. The powerplay marker put BCC in front 3-2 with just less than four minutes remaining in regulation.

A minute later a crazy bounce led to BCC building a two goal cushion. The puck was shot wide of the Barons net caroming over to the left wing boards. BCC used the force of the shot to begin the defensive zone breakout up the left wing boards. Jacob Reitz passed the puck forward to Jacobs heading out of the defensive zone. Jacobs took the puck down the left wing into the offensive zone. His initial shot from the left faceoff circle was saved by Stutsrim-Lyons. The puck deflected off the Lightning goalie’s leg pads behind the net. Jacobs got to the puck first and from a 45 degree angle shot the puck into the slot from behind the goal line. The puck ricocheted off Sell’s body into the net, hockey’s version of a soccer own goal.

Trying to press forward to narrow the gap, Upper Montgomery began taking chances pressing forward. With 37 seconds remaining in the game, Stutsrim-Lyons was pulled for an additional skater, a last gasp effort by the Lightning. The move worked out very well. Wendland sent the puck around the net from the left to the right to Howerton. Howerton sent a breakout pass up the middle of the ice to Marks exiting the Upper Montgomery defensive zone. When he reached the center red line, Marks dumped the puck into the right corner of the Barons defensive zone. Bhasin reached the puck first and skated around the boards to the left corner. He sent a pass up the boards to Howerton who pinched down from the left point. Howerton dropped a backhand return pass to Bhasin along the left wing. Bhasin sent the puck into the slot where it was missed by both Marks and Jake Hudson. As the puck slid through the slot it ended up back on Howerton’s stick. From the middle of the slot he fired a wrist shot past Schoenebeck’s blocker to the left side of the net. With 26 seconds remaining, Upper Montgomery had closed the gap to 4-3. Unfortunately for the Lightning, they would not again have puck possession in the offensive zone and the program’s long sixteen game undefeated streak was no more.

Upper Montgomery will look to rebound next week against the Churchill Bulldogs. It will be interesting to see how the Lightning respond to their first regular season loss in nearly two years. The game against the Bulldogs will be difficult for Upper Montgomery as the lower levels of travel hockey have out-of-town tournaments next weekend and student athlete availability may be an issue. The Lightning may play the contest with a short bench.

Game Notes:

• Shots on goal were fairly even for the game with BCC having 27 and Upper Montgomery registering 21.
• Siddy Bhasin scored for the third game in a row to begin his high school hockey career.
• Upper Montgomery killed off the first three BCC powerplays before the program’s record setting penalty killing streak was pierced. BCC scored powerplay goals on its final two powerplays to end the Lightning’s streak at 36 consecutive shorthanded situations having been neutralized.
• The Lightning’s long undefeated streak stretching over the past three regular seasons ended. Upper Montgomery’s junior varsity program had been 12-0-4 in its prior sixteen games.
• Lightning junior forward Jason Woodman faces an upcoming multiple game suspension for his game misconduct penalty in the third period against the Barons.
• Upper Montgomery’s junior varsity team returns to action next Friday night when the Lightning face the Churchill Bulldogs. Game time is once again a late start, 10:00 pm at Cabin John Ice Rink.

Three Stars of the Game:

First Star—Ramin Jacobs—BCC Forward—3 Goals
Second Star—Siddy Bhasin—Upper Montgomery Forward—1 Goal, 2 Assists
Third Star—Porter Stutsrim-Lyons—Upper Montgomery Goalie—23 Saves

The Upper Montgomery Lightning and the Wootton Patriots engaged in a barnburner of a hockey game on Wednesday evening at Cabin John Ice Rink. The two talented squads left everything they had on the ice as both teams played with short benches with each team missing several key student athletes. Upper Montgomery ninth grade goalie Porter Stutsrim-Lyons stole the show making a career high and junior varsity program record 47 saves. Stutsrim-Lyons’ play, along with the Lightning’s defensive effort and shot blocking took top ranked Wootton to overtime before the Patriots eventually prevailed 3-2. The game is recorded as a tie for Upper Montgomery, and an overtime victory for Wootton, last season’s top regular season junior varsity team.

The game resembled Upper Montgomery’s style of play from last year, when the Lightning went undefeated during the regular season finishing with a 9-0-1 record. The Lightning jumped out to an early lead and then spent most of the game selling out on the defensive side of the ice doing their best to clog up the middle of the ice and block shots. When the Wootton shots did make it through Stutsrim-Lyons was there to make the save. He gave up very few rebounds and was quick to smother the puck when it was loose around his feet.

From the outset of the game it was clear that Wootton was the faster and more skilled team. After each Upper Montgomery clear of the defensive zone, the Patriots regrouped at center ice and attempted to quickly cycle back in offensively. The Patriots played with pace. However, having to consistently go through three, four, and five Upper Montgomery skaters resulted in the puck getting batted away, the play getting broken up, and Wootton committing turnovers that were once again cleared back out over the Lightning defensive blue line to center ice.

Five and a half minutes into the game the Lightning would strike first. Sophomore forward Jake Hudson took control of a loose puck in his defensive zone behind the net. He skated up the right wing side of the ice. His outlet pass to the left wing found Lightning forward Mason Jagoz. Jagoz swung wide and entered the Wootton defensive zone where he dumped the puck deep into the left corner. As Jagoz followed the puck behind the net a puck battled ensued with the Patriots defense. Upper Montgomery ninth grade forward Siddy Bhasin came away from the scrum with the puck at the near goal post. He traveled around the net where he sent the puck back across the crease. Hudson was tied up by the Wootton defense and the puck slid through the crease to Jagoz at the back post. Wootton sophomore goalie Kevin Yu made a goalie stick paddle save on Jagoz’s shot with the puck deposited behind the Wootton net. Hudson reached the loose puck first along the back wall and he skated around the net where he passed the puck to Bhasin in the low slot. Bhasin faked a shot with a defender in front of him and slid the puck to his left to Jagoz standing all alone wide open four feet in front of the goal. With Yu overplaying Bhasin to shoot from in close, Jagoz has plenty of time and net to shoot at. He calmly deposited his first goal as a member of the Lightning program.

Two minutes later the Upper Montgomery lead would grow to 2-0. Wootton dumped the puck into the Upper Montgomery zone and headed off for a line change. Lightning sophomore defender Miles Wendland retrieved the puck and passed the puck up to Hudson along the right wing in the defensive zone. Hudson carried the puck out past the defensive blue line and through neutral ice down into the Upper Montgomery offensive zone. His attempted dump in ricocheted off the Wootton defender to the right corner. Hudson rushed over to the puck and passed the puck into the high slot. Bhasin entered the offensive zone coming up ice from just having jumped over the boards during a line change. Bhasin snagged the pass and skated to the left edge of the right faceoff circle. His wrist shot went short side low just over Yu’s left leg pad. The puck found its way in close to Yu’s body seven hole beneath his glove hand having crept through and into the net for Bhasin’s second goal of the season.

Even though they had been outplayed and outshot by a wide margin, Upper Montgomery had taken advantage of their two primary scoring chances to build a lead. With three and a half minutes remaining in the first period a scramble in front of the Upper Montgomery net resulted in Wootton being awarded a penalty shot when Lightning senior defender Patrick Sell was deemed to have closed his hand on the puck in the crease area. It was the proper officiating call and gave smooth skating Wootton sophomore forward Nathan Geeng a one on one opportunity to skate in alone against Stutsrim-Lyons. Geeng came down the left side of the ice. From the mid slot between the circles he fired a snap shot far side under Stutsrim-Lyons’ glove hand. The Lightning netminder played the penalty shot well, but the shot from directly in front from that close and that hard got Wootton on the scoreboard. The Patriots outshot the Lightning seventeen to five during the opening period of play.

The second period was filled with Wootton pressure and offensive attacks, Stutsrim-Lyons big saves, and Upper Montgomery valiantly trying every which way to get in front of the Wootton shot attempts. Three and a half minutes into the period, Sell was called for his second penalty of the game, this time for hooking. The Upper Montgomery penalty killers assisted by Stutsrim-Lyons making some huge saves kept the puck out of the net. With six and a half minutes remaining in the period, Upper Montgomery junior forward Jason Woodman was called for an interference minor penalty. This time, the Lightning penalty killers were more organized and were able to clear the defensive zone on multiple occasions. Both successful penalty kills ran the program’s consecutive successful penalty kill streak to 33 straight shorthanded chances dating back to the end of the 2022 – 2023 season. Although again badly outshot twelve to six, and 29 to 11 for the game through two periods of play, the Lightning took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

The first nine and a half minutes of the third period was a mirror image of the second period. Wootton was on the attack. Upper Montgomery competed as hard as they possibly could defensively to keep the puck out of the net. When defensive breakdowns occurred, Stutsrim-Lyons was there to save the day including on a Wootton breakaway chance by sophomore forward Brendan Lau with eight minutes left in regulation. Upper Montgomery had one quality scoring opportunity in the third period. Off of a faceoff win by Hudson in the right faceoff circle in the offensive zone, Sell’s long range wrist shot from the point went past a screened Yu. Unfortunately for the Lightning, the puck clanked off the near side right goal post tumbling into the right corner out of harms way.

With just over five minutes left in regulation, Wootton would score the equalizer. A failed Upper Montgomery clearing attempt along the boards provided the impetus that the Patriots needed. The failed clear from the right wing boards in the Lightning defensive zone kept the Upper Montgomery skaters pinned on the ice for an extended shift. At the left point the puck was kept in by Wootton ninth grade defender Nathan Tian. Tian skated to the top of the slot where his shot was blocked by Wendland. Geeng collected the puck in the right corner where he passed it back into the slot to sophomore forward Jayden Ahn. Ahn’s shot was blocked by Lightning senior forward AJ Marks. The puck bounced forward a few feet where Lau was stationed unguarded. Lau was able to get enough on his shot to sneak the puck past Stutsrim-Lyons and over the goal line to tie the game at two.

Regulation ended tied ensuring that both teams would earn a least one point on the evening. It was well deserved for both teams who each had played a whale of a game although with differing styles. Wootton had outshot Upper Montgomery 42-15 in regulation after pumping thirteen shots on Stutsrim-Lyons in the third period while the Lightning only sent four shots on Yu. Three on three play in overtime was going to be a challenge for the tired Lightning skaters. With Wootton’s highly skilled and smooth skating forwards having a sizeable amount of additional open ice to work with, it seemed as if every shift in overtime was played with Upper Montgomery just willing time on the scoreboard to continue ticking. Overtime in high school hockey is played three skaters on three skaters with running clock.

With 45 seconds left in the game, the Lightning’s bubble burst. With a faceoff draw outside of the Wootton defensive zone, Geeng won the puck back to Tian. Tian returned the puck to Geeng in the neutral zone along the right wing. Somehow, Wootton was already in on a two on one rush against Wendland defending. Geeng passed the puck to his left to Ahn. Wendland played the incoming rush in excellent fashion forcing Ahn wide and making him circle the net. With no shot of his own, Ahn looked to pass to Geeng standing in front. The Upper Montgomery forward responsible for covering Geeng went past the net into the corner for some reason, leaving Wendland as the only defender involved in the play. Stutsrim-Lyons made the initial save on Geeng from in close, he then made a rebound save on Geeng, and another save on a shot by Ahn from in close. Finally, Ahn was able to pull the puck back a foot or so and he then lifted the puck into the top portion of the net high short side to send the Patriots off celebrating the victory on their side of the ice.

Upper Montgomery’s young student athletes got a taste of upper level high school hockey during the game against Wootton. The Lightning played hard even if there were some fundamentally shaky moments throughout the game. The team will need to bring the same level of compete once again on Friday night against BCC and frankly into all remaining games on the schedule. The game against Wootton also showed that the Lightning may be a bit ahead of schedule having performed so well against that quality of opponent without four key contributors.

Game Notes:

• Wootton vastly outshot Upper Montgomery 50-15 for the game, and eight to zero in overtime.
• Upper Montgomery goalie Porter Stutsrim-Lyons made a career high and junior varsity program record 47 saves.
• Upper Montgomery sophomore forward Mason Jagoz scored his first goal with the Lightning program. He scored one goal last season while playing high school hockey in Frederick County.
• Upper Montgomery did not have a powerplay in the game.
• Upper Montgomery killed off both Wootton powerplay opportunities running the program’s penalty kill streak to 33 straight shorthanded situations.
• Jake Hudson assisted on both Upper Montgomery goals.
• Siddy Bhasin has scored in his first two high school hockey games.
• Over the past three regular seasons, Upper Montgomery’s junior varsity program has runs its unbeaten streak to sixteen games, 12-0-4.
• Upper Montgomery’s junior varsity team has a quick turnaround when it returns to action this Friday night against the BCC Barons. Game time is a late start, 10:00 pm at Cabin John Ice Rink.

Three Stars of the Game:

First Star—Porter Stutsrim-Lyons—Upper Montgomery Goalie—47 Saves, .940 Save Percentage, Tie
Second Star—Jayden Ahn—Wootton Forward—Game Winning Goal, Assist
Third Star—Nathan Geeng—Wootton Forward—Penalty Shot Goal, 2 Assists

The Upper Montgomery Lightning junior varsity smashed the Richard Montgomery Rockets Friday evening easing to an 8-0 win. The victory was the third consecutive season that the Lightning junior varsity opened the season with a shutout victory. The team also extended the junior varsity program record regular season undefeated streak to fifteen consecutive games (12-0-3). It was a wonderful way to begin the 2024 – 2025 season as the schedule is expected to get much tougher immediately on Wednesday evening when Upper Montgomery takes on top junior varsity foe Wootton.

The game with the Rockets opened with each team a little tentative feeling out the other. Both squads had early powerplay chances that fizzled. Upper Montgomery went on the powerplay one minute into the contest when Rockets defender Ryan Jones was called for a tripping penalty. The Rockets killed off the Lightning’s powerplay and then earned a powerplay of their own. Four and a half minutes into the contest Upper Montgomery ninth grade forward Siddy Bhasin was called for a hooking minor penalty. The Lightning penalty killers controlled the Rockets who had a hard time entering the Upper Montgomery defensive zone.

After its successful penalty kill, the Lightning began to assert more control of the pace of play. It took a few more minutes but Upper Montgomery stuck first on sophomore Jake Hudson’s first career high school goal. Hudson won the faceoff from the right faceoff circle in the offensive zone. It was a clean win that went to his brother, ninth grade defender Luke Hudson at the right point. Luke Hudson swung the puck over his left to his defensive partner sophomore Miles Wendland. From the top of the left faceoff circle Wendland fired at Richard Montgomery goalie Thomas Richardson (making his first ever appearance in a high school game). Wendland’s shot was blocked in front by the Rockets defense with the puck squirting to the left wing boards near the goal line. Wendland raced in reaching the puck first, and he flung the puck toward the slot. His pass was right on the money as he found Jake Hudson at the back right post with inside position on the Richard Montgomery defense. Hudson deftly smacked the puck as it was on the move through the crease past Richardson’s legs.

With forty five seconds remaining in the first period, Hudson would tally his second goal of the evening. Lightning ninth grade defender Matthew Rivera had the puck in his own defensive zone. His defensive zone outlet pass found Hudson at center ice. Hudson entered the Rockets defensive zone and shot from well beyond the top of the right faceoff circle. His long range shot eluded Richardson’s right toe to extend the Lightning’s lead to 2-0. Shots on goal in the first period favored the Rockets, with Upper Montgomery ninth grade netminder Porter Stutsrim-Lyons making saves on all nine shots on goal he faced. Upper Montgomery only fired six shots at Richardson.

Upper Montgomery began to overwhelm the Rockets during the second period. Bhasin was called for his second minor penalty of the game when he was called for a tripping penalty at center ice. Upper Montgomery again easily killed off the penalty. Ten seconds after he returned to the ice, Bhasin scored his first career high school goal to put Upper Montgomery up by three. Lightning ninth grade defender Lillian Robbins had the puck behind her own net. She rimmed the puck around the boards on the right wing to Upper Montgomery junior forward Jason Woodman. Woodman controlled the puck and exited the defensive zone with a nice pass to fellow forward ninth grader Max Israfilbek in the neutral zone. Israfilbek skated into the Rockets defensive zone to the right faceoff circle. From the faceoff dot he whipped a wrist shot high on Richardson. Richardson made a chest save and the puck dropped to his feet. Bhasin jammed in the rebound from just outside the goal line and around Richardson’s feet before the goalie could react.

Halfway through the period, Wendland was whistled for a cross checking penalty. As with the earlier middle period Lightning penalty kill, just after the penalty time expired, the Lightning cashed in with a goal. Robbins took possession of the puck on the right wing along her defensive blue line. She sent a bank pass off the boards up to Lightning newcomer, sophomore forward Mason Jagoz. Jagoz took two strides into the Rockets defensive zone and poked the puck over to Lightning ninth grade forward Decklin Hughes. Hughes positioned his body so that when the puck approached, he was able to rocket a slap shot from ten feet in front of the net past Richardson going low along the ice into the open side of the net. It continued a theme of Lightning student athletes scoring their first career high school goals.

Two minutes later the game was essentially over when Upper Montgomery sophomore forward Aiden Zheng increased the Lightning’s lead to 5-0. A puck battle in the right corner of the Lightning’s defensive zone was won by Zheng. He sprang up ice and fired down the opposite left side of the ice. When he reached the top of the left faceoff circle, he jump stopped allowing the trailing Richard Montgomery defenders to continue past him. Zheng then fired a low shot from the top of the left faceoff circle that went along the ice and through Richardson’s five hole.

A minute and a half later, Lightning senior forward AJ Marks extended the lead to 6-0. Rivera took control of the puck along his defensive blue line on the left side of the ice. He skated diagonally up ice to the right wing. At center ice he passed the puck up to Marks further ahead on the right wing. Marks entered the offensive zone on the right wing pushing the puck into the right corner. A shoulder check shed the Rockets defender and Marks stepped toward the net with the puck. From just in front he fired a quick shot past Richardson’s feet and into the net. The second period ended with Upper Montgomery on top 6-0 although shots on goal were fifteen to fourteen in favor of Richard Montgomery. The six goal bulge meant that the upcoming third period was played with running time.

A minute into the third period, Robbins would score the first goal of her high school career. Off of a faceoff in the left faceoff circle in the Lightning’s defensive zone, Jake Hudson playing back on defense sent the puck around the boards and down the ice along the right wing. The Richard Montgomery defender won the puck battle under pressure from Jagoz. However, Jagoz was able to get his stick on the clearing attempt slowing the puck enough as it traveled up the boards. Robbins was able to swoop in and send the puck toward the net from above the right faceoff circle. Robbins’ shot from the boards found its way past Richardson near side along the ice.

With ten minutes left in the game, Richard Montgomery forward Bennett Parisi was called for a roughing penalty. The Lightning pulled back and used their full compliment of skaters with the extra skater advantage and the large lead and still almost put in another goal. After the Rockets successful penalty kill all that remained was the final score with the outcome clearly in hand. The Lightning added one more goal with four minutes left when Zheng scored his second goal of the game. A Richard Montgomery misplay entering the Lightning’s defensive zone began the scoring sequence. After the puck was fumbled, the Rockets shot it behind the Upper Montgomery net. The puck traveled around to the right wing boards in the defensive zone where it was picked up by Bhasin. Bhasin shoved a pass a few feet toward the middle of the ice where it was picked up by Zheng at the center of the defensive blue line. Zheng outskated the Rockets defense down the ice. He pulled up at the left faceoff circle and fired a wrist shot past the right side of Richardson’s body to conclude the scoring.

With the game not in doubt, the Lightning spent the last four minutes of play protecting Stutsrim-Lyons and working to secure a shutout for the ninth grade goalie. It was a nice way to start the season. The schedule will get stiffer from here on out starting with one of the county’s top junior varsity teams in Wootton. The teams collide on Wednesday evening in what may turn into a preview of a Mid-January junior varsity playoff matchup.

Game Notes:

• Shots on goal for the game were even with Richard Montgomery firing 22 shots at Upper Montgomery goalie Porter Stutsrim-Lyons and Upper Montgomery countering with 21 shots on Richard Montgomery goalie Thomas Richardson.
• Upper Montgomery had four students score their first career high school goals; Jake Hudson, Siddy Bhasin, Decklin Hughes, and Lillian Robbins.
• Upper Montgomery goalie Porter Stutsrim-Lyons had a shutout in his first career high school game.
• Each Lightning skater who participated in Friday’s game registered at least one point.
• It was the third straight season that the Lightning junior varsity started the season with a shutout victory.
• Upper Montgomery killed off all four Richard Montgomery powerplay opportunities running the programs’ streak to 31 straight penalty kills.
• Over the past three regular seasons, Upper Montgomery’s junior varsity program has runs its unbeaten streak to fifteen games, 12-0-3.
• Upper Montgomery junior varsity returns to action this Wednesday against the Wootton Patriots. Game time is 6:30 pm at Cabin John Ice Rink.

Three Stars of the Game:

First Star—Jake Hudson—Upper Montgomery Forward—2 Goals
Second Star—Aiden Zheng—Upper Montgomery Forward—2 Goals
Third Star—Porter Stutsrim-Lyons—Upper Montgomery Goalie—22 Save Shutout Victory

The Upper Montgomery Lightning crushed Wootton 9-1 on Thursday afternoon to win the Montgomery Hockey Conference Varsity Tournament Championship.  All of the teams in the Montgomery Hockey Conference that failed to advance to the Maryland high school hockey state playoffs all compete in the Varsity Tournament Championship. Winning the trophy is a highly prestigious achievement, and is the most coveted accomplishment to date in Upper Montgomery program history.   

With the victory the Lightning finished the 2023 – 2024 season ranked fifth in the conference (the top team which missed out on advancing to the state playoffs) and as the thirteenth ranked public high school team in the state.  Although sixteen teams make the Maryland state high school hockey playoff tournament, there is a limit on the number of teams from each county. Montgomery County receives four bids.  Unfortunately, the squad fell one game short of qualifying for the state playoffs for the second consecutive season. 

Against their arch nemesis, the Lightning wasted no time asserting control of the game. Three minutes into the first period Upper Montgomery opened the scoring. Breaking up a Wootton rush up ice, Lightning senior forward Brandon Bernard while backchecking swept the puck up ice in his defensive zone. A bad Wootton pass led to a turnover at the Upper Montgomery defensive blue line where Lightning defender Brady Berkhammer took possession of the puck. Berkhammer sent a breakout pass to Lightning senior co-captain Hunter Cameron curling through the neutral zone. Cameron continued down the right wing into the Upper Montgomery offensive zone. He then unleashed a laser beam of a shot that went far side high over Wootton ninth grade goalie Kevin Yu’s right shoulder and blocker and into the top left corner of the net.

Three and a half minutes later Upper Montgomery would extend the lead to 2-0 and effectively take control of the game. Lightning ninth grade defender Miles Wendland misplayed the puck in his defensive zone but he was able to recover and pass the puck up ice to senior center and co-captain Chris Hassett in the neutral zone. Hassett received the pass and instantly sent a backhand tap pass wide to Bernard. The pass eluded Bernard, however, he was able to grab the puck along the right wing boards. Bernard skated down the right wing into the Upper Montgomery offensive zone where he cut to the high slot. From the mid slot area, Bernard sent a wrist shot along the ice five hole and through Yu’s legs into the net. Upper Montgomery continued to dominate the offensive chances and puck possession for the remainder of the period with Yu forced to make many strong saves. The Lightning wound up outshooting the Patriots twelve to five in the opening period.

The second period was another dominant period for the Lightning. Upper Montgomery outshot Wootton fourteen to six. A key to Upper Montgomery’s game plan was to chase the Patriots most talented skater, defender Sam Hosier, all over the ice and not allow him to single handedly control play. Four and a half minutes into the period, Hassett would score his team leading 25th goal of the season. Hassett won a faceoff from the right faceoff circle in the offensive zone with the puck sliding back to Wendland. Wendland uncorked a long range shot on goal that was saved and frozen by Yu. Hassett again won the faceoff back to Wendland. This time, Wendland’s shot was stopped by the Wootton defense on the way to the net. Lightning forward Josh Nadler found the loose puck and he cut into the slot. Nadler’s wrist shot was also blocked by the Wootton defense. The puck landed near Lightning forward Henry Honacki. Honacki sent a spinning backhand pass to Hassett near the left goal post. Hassett moved the puck to his forehand and swept the puck around Yu’s left leg pad into the empty side of the net.

Five minutes later Upper Montgomery’s third overall points leader and second leading goal scorer Philip Shkeda got in on the scoring action. In the offensive zone, Lightning defender Andrew Botti’s shot from the left faceoff circle was wide of the goal. The puck was retrieved by Shkeda in the right corner. Shkeda skated behind the net where he left the puck for Berkhammer on the left side boards. Berkhammer had come way down the boards from his left point position. Berkhammer reached in and chipped the puck to the middle of the ice where it was grabbed by Bernard. Bernard swung around the net from left to right where he threw the puck across the goal mouth to Shkeda. Shkeda banged home the pass at the left post wedging the puck past Yu’s right leg pad for his thirteenth goal of the season.

Up now by four goals, Upper Montgomery was able to turn it up and play fast and loose. The Lightning were in total control of the championship game and kept up the pressure. It was an effort for Wootton just to obtain possession of the puck, and when Hosier was not on the ice the game turned into a shooting contest at Yu.

Forty five seconds after Shkeda’s goal, Upper Montgomery senior Bradley Cupples delivered his third goal of the season. Berkhammer sent an outlet pass from behind his own net to Cupples along the right wing boards. Near the blue line, Cupples swung the puck cross ice to Zheng. Zheng carried the puck out of the Lightning defensive zone to neutral ice and then down into the Patriots defensive zone. At the right faceoff circle Zheng left a drop pass to Cameron. Cameron dumped the puck down the boards and around the Wootton net. Zheng hustled to the puck beating the Wootton defense. He then reversed direction and skated back out to the right goal post. Zheng pass went into the skates of the Wootton defense in the slot. Cameron kicked the puck loose to his stick. In the scramble, the puck eventually found its way to Cupples standing at the left post for an easy tap in goal.

Down 5-0 entering the third period, Wootton’s frustrations began to show. Wootton defender Cole Weber was called for a roughing penalty a minute into the period. It was surprisingly the first and only penalty of the game between the two budding rivals. Although Upper Montgomery failed to score on the powerplay, the Lightning continued with momentum and scored five minutes into the third period to extend the lead to 6-0 and bring the game to running clock.

After a long extended shift in the Wootton defensive zone, Honacki deposited his seventh goal of the season. Shkeda had possession of the puck along the right wing boards. He sent the puck back to Botti at the right point. Botti’s wrist shot was deflected by Hassett out front and Yu made a fine save on the redirection. Honacki was in the right place at the right time and knocked the rebound under Yu’s arm. With ten minutes left in the game, the Lightning faithful began to celebrate the impending championship.

With eight minutes remaining, Hassett scored his final goal of his historic Lightning career. Hassett had possession of the puck behind his own net. He shot the puck to the right wing boards and stepped around a Wootton forward collecting his self pass. Hassett skated down the right wing with speed. At the offensive blue line he cut toward the middle of the ice and then quickly shifted back to the right side. From below the right faceoff circle he fired a wrist shot far side over Yu’s leg pad and under his blocker for the highlight worthy unassisted goal. It was Hassett’s 26th goal of the season and the 62nd goal of his hall of fame career.

With six minutes remaining in the game, Upper Montgomery suffered its only blip of the game. Hosier stole the puck in the neutral zone and cut down the left flank into the Upper Montgomery defensive zone. His bad angle shot was saved by Lightning goalie Landon Bernard, with the puck deflecting behind the net. Hosier was first to the puck and continued skating around the net from left to right. His wrap around shot beat Bernard before he could come over across the net to stop the stuff attempt.

Within a minute and a half after Wootton’s lone goal of the game, Brandon Bernard extended the Lightning lead to 8-1. Wootton’s defender at the left point in the offensive zone bobbled the puck. He then attempted to shoot toward the Lightning net, but his shot was blocked by Bernard sending Bernard off on a two on one rush with Shkeda. Bernard skated down the right wing all the way to the right faceoff circle in the Wootton defensive zone. His wrist shot from the faceoff dot went low short side past Yu’s glove for his tenth goal of the season. It was another unassisted goal as the Lightning’s experienced skaters were now having fun pouring on the offense.

As the clocked ticked toward zero and with the Lightning spectators cheering with appreciation for a well earned championship victory, Upper Montgomery would put one more home. Icing on the cake. With the puck in the Wootton defensive zone, Bernard sent a pass from the right wing boards to Botti at the right point. Botti’s dipping slap shot from the top of the right faceoff circle went under Yu’s glove.

In the Montgomery Hockey Conference tournament championship game, the team was led by leading scorer senior center Chris Hassett who tallied two goals while adding three assists. Brandon Bernard finished his high school career with a big game netting two goals and two assists. Senior Hunter Cameron and juniors Andrew Botti and Henry Honacki each added a goal and an assist. Sophomore defender Brady Berkhammer dished out two assists. Senior forward Bradley Cupples and sophomore forward Philip Shkeda each scored in the drubbing of Wootton as well. Senior netminder Landon Bernard finished out his career with the convincing victory allowing only one goal and making fifteen saves.

After the conclusion of the obligatory handshake line, the Upper Montgomery varsity team celebrated on the ice with team pictures, and individual student pictures with the championship trophy. While the Lightning did not reach the state playoffs this year, the team did finish with a championship and the most successful season in program history. The team’s seniors concluded their high school careers with a victory in their final game.

Game Notes:

• Upper Montgomery vastly outshot Wootton during the game, 39 to 16 with at least a seven shot margin in all three periods of play.
• Upper Montgomery has now beaten former perennial powerhouse Wootton three straight times (8-2 and 4-2 in both games last season, and then destroying the Patriots 9-1 this afternoon).
• Lightning seniors; Sean Levine (JV playoffs), Olivia Robbins, Adam Levine, Bradley Cupples, Brandon Bernard, Hunter Cameron, and Chris Hassett all scored goals in the last game they played for the Upper Montgomery program.
• Career Stats for the 2023 – 2024 Lightning senior class:
  • Defender Jake Roth–Varsity–(5GP, 1A)–Junior Varsity–(21GP, 5A).
  • Defender Sean Levine–Varsity–(4GP)—Junior Varsity–(22GP, 5G, 7A).
  • Goalie Landon Bernard–Varsity–(43GP, 16W, 22L, 3T, 2 Shutouts, .855 Save Percentage, 4.07 Goals Against Average)–Junior Varsity (30GP, 12W, 14L, 5T, 1 Shutout, .876 Save Percentage, 3.21 Goals Against Average.
  • Bradley Cupples–Varsity–(57GP, 13G, 30A)–Junior Varsity–(17GP, 7G, 8A).
  • Adam Levine–Varsity–(22GP, 4G, 5A)–Junior Varsity–(42GP, 8G, 15A).
  • Brandon Bernard–Varsity–(59GP, 23G, 17A)–Junior Varsity–(20GP, 9G, 12A).
  • Olivia Robbins–Varsity–(45GP, 13G, 18A).
  • Hunter Cameron–Varsity–(59GP, 20G, 24A)–Junior Varsity–(6GP, 1G, 4A).
  • Chris Hassett–Varsity–(59GP, 62G, 64A)–Junior Varsity–(1GP, 2G)—Junior Varsity Goalie–(6GP, 3W, .810 Save Percentage, 3.91 Goals Against Average).

Three Stars of the Game:

First Star—Brandon Bernard—Upper Montgomery Forward—2 Goals, 2 Assists
Second Star—Chris Hassett—Upper Montgomery Center—2 Goals, 3 Assists
Third Star—Kevin Yu—Wootton Goalie—30 Saves

The Upper Montgomery Lightning atoned for an ugly Halloween performance by stifling the Sherwood Warriors 5-1 to advance to the Montgomery Hockey Conference Varsity Tournament Championship game. The semifinal matchup turned into a story of which team could overcome the absence of their key contributors. Sherwood features a dynamic duo offensive threat in center Noi Jonasson and the Warriors’ leading scorer, senior forward Grayson Winckler. When both are present, the Warriors are a very dangerous team. In Wednesday’s semifinal matchup Jonasson missed the game due to a conflict with his external AAA travel team.

Upper Montgomery shed no tears as the Lightning were missing many core student athletes themselves. Junior AAA center Ryan Jacobson missed the game injured. Junior AA forward, and the team’s second leading scorer, Nathan Cassel missed the game injured. Depth forward, senior Adam Levine missed the game injured. Senior AAA forward Olivia Robbins missed the game with an external travel team conflict. Sophomore AA defender Owen Robbins missed the game with an external travel team conflict. Five regulars were out of the Lightning lineup for the semifinal matchup.

With so much talent out of their lineup, the Lightning game plan centered around swarming Winckler and forcing the rest of the Warriors lineup to win the game. Upper Montgomery’s revamped first line of senior co-captain and leading scorer Chris Hassett playing between regular winger Philip Shkeda and senior Brandon Bernard were the most dangerous trio on the ice. The line propelled the Lightning to victory with Hassett scoring four goals set up primarily by Bernard and Shkeda. The Lightning’s second and third lines did an excellent job of playing defensive hockey. Upper Montgomery senior goalie, Landon Bernard played a solid game stopping 26 of 27 shots on goal to secure the win.

Upper Montgomery jumped out to an early 1-0 lead three minutes into the game. Off of a faceoff from the left faceoff circle in the offensive zone, Lightning senior co-captain Hunter Cameron won the draw back to ninth grade defender Miles Wendland at the left point. Wendland’s wrist shot was deflected by junior forward Henry Honacki who had slipped behind the Sherwood defense. Honacki’s deflection beat Warriors goalie Samuel Hutt near side along the ice past his goalie stick.

Two and a half minutes after the Lightning jumped in front, Hassett was called for a hooking penalty. The Upper Montgomery penalty killers led by junior defender Andrew Botti and sophomore defender Brady Berkhammer helped keep the Warriors at bay. Just more than halfway through the powerplay, Sherwood was penalized for too many skaters on the ice after a poor line change. The miscue ended the Warriors powerplay early, and after a short period of four on four play Upper Montgomery then went on its first powerplay of the game. Similar to the Warriors earlier powerplay, the Lightning also failed to capitalize with the extra skater.

With three and a half minutes remaining in the first period, Upper Montgomery would open up a 2-0 lead. This time, the faceoff was in the right faceoff circle in the Lightning’s offensive zone in front of Hutt. Upper Montgomery had possession of the puck inside the offensive zone for 45 seconds working the puck around. Botti held the puck at the left point where he sent the puck down the boards and around net to Shkeda. Shkeda reversed direction back behind the net and sent the puck to Brandon Bernard in the left faceoff circle. With his stick tied up, Bernard kicked the puck over to Hassett who was near the left goal post. Hassett went back behind the net from left to right where he attempted to send a cross ice pass. Hassett’s pass was blocked by the Sherwood defense with the puck bounding back behind the net once again. Bernard retrieved the puck and curled up to the right faceoff circle where he fed Hassett now stationed in front of the net. Hassett faked to his backhand and then moved the puck over to his forehand before he put a well placed shot to the wide side of the net along the ice and past Hutt’s glove hand.

The first period ended with Upper Montgomery ahead 2-0 while outshooting the Warriors fourteen to eight. It was a period controlled by the Lightning with Sherwood trying everything possible to free up Winckler to allow him to spark the Warriors offensively. In the team’s regular season game, Winckler had a hat-trick and added three assists in the Warriors 9-7 win.

The second period played out like a replica of the first period. An early Upper Montgomery goal made the score 3-0, then Upper Montgomery and Sherwood took penalties, then a second Lightning scoring strike, and Upper Montgomery outshooting Sherwood by a healthy margin. On the first shift of the period, Hassett scored his second goal of the game to put Upper Montgomery up 3-0. The goal definitely took some of the pressure off the Lightning who continued play with a solid lead. In the right corner of his defensive zone, Hassett intercepted a pass on the back check. He sent the puck up the right wing boards to Bernard. Bernard lost control of the puck but was once again able to kick the puck forward to Hassett in the neutral zone. Hassett continued up the right wing side of the ice where he jumped past the Sherwood left defender to the inside. Clear of the defender he sent a pass over to Shkeda. Shkeda unleashed a wrist shot toward the goal where Hutt made a glove hand save with the puck caroming to the left wing boards. Berkhammer kept the play alive near his right point position, coming down into the offensive zone to possess the puck. Berkhammer’s flip shot from the boards was stopped on its way to the net by Hassett. Hassett then uncorked a snap shot that went short side past Hutt’s left arm and glove into the net.

Less than a minute and a half later, Upper Montgomery junior defender Cole Howerton was called for a tripping penalty when he rode a Warriors forward wide. The Sherwood skater lost an edge and fell. There was no penalty deserved yet the Lightning were once again shorthanded. Upper Montgomery killed off the Sherwood powerplay with ease. At the nine minute mark of the second period Sherwood forward Charles Sickel was given a ten minute misconduct penalty for his comments toward the officials after he thought he was fouled and no penalty was called.

That sequence also started Upper Montgomery’s offensive play culminating with the Lightning’s fourth goal of the evening. A Sherwood turnover at neutral ice was caused by a poke check from Shekda. Bernard carried the puck into the offensive zone entering over the blue line in the middle of the ice. Bernard returned a pass to Shkeda down the left side. Shkeda fired on net from a bad angle and Hutt made an easy save. However, rebound control was an issue and the puck went to Hassett. With no angle to shoot, Hassett curled back up ice into the left faceoff circle. From the inside edge of the left faceoff circle Hassett fired a wrist shot short side, mid goal height, that went past Hutt’s blocker for his hat-trick marker.

At four to nothing, Upper Montgomery played to keep the clock moving and to play excellent team defense. Whenever the puck went near Winckler, two Upper Montgomery skaters jumped in his way. The Lightning’s defensive strategy forced Winckler to give up possession of the puck. Or, if Winckler pressed play, the aggressive Upper Montgomery defense created turnovers which Upper Montgomery cleared down ice. The Warriors were then forced to go the entire length of the ice through the Lightning’s defensive posture to generate offensive looks. Upper Montgomery’s strategy worked very well with the second period ending with the Lightning ahead 4-0, and outshooting Sherwood fourteen to six in the middle period.

With desperation mounting and only fifteen minutes remaining in their season, Sherwood came out with renewed effort in the third period. That effort, coupled with Upper Montgomery’s focus on the defensive side of the ice, helped Sherwood outshoot Upper Montgomery twelve to ten in the final period. Lightning goalie Landon Bernard was far busier in the third period than he had been over the first thirty minutes of action making several solid saves to keep Upper Montgomery well in front.

Just over a minute into the third period, Sherwood would finally get on the scoreboard. In front of his own net, Sherwood defender Noah Temenak chipped the puck with his backhand over to Winckler. Winckler skated the entire length of the ice down the right wing, from his defensive zone into the Upper Montgomery defensive zone. His shot from the right faceoff circle was blocked by Botti who was in excellent defensive position. Unfortunately, the puck bounced immediately to Sherwood forward Cameron Colandro. Colandro was prepared for the puck’s change of direction and instantly in shooting motion where he fired the puck past Bernard’s left leg and glove.

Sherwood had a bit of momentum that was immediately blunted by the Lightning’s top line. Forty seconds into the next shift, with the puck along the side boards in the Sherwood defensive zone, Bernard worked the puck loose to Shkeda in the right faceoff circle. Shkeda’s wrist shot was saved by Hutt, but Hassett was there to knock home the rebound. With their four goal lead restored, the Lightning resumed strong defensive play.

With ten minutes remaining in the game, Honacki was called for a high sticking penalty. The Upper Montgomery penalty kill was up to the challenge once again and kept Sherwood from scoring. Then, as the clock ticked towards four minutes left, it was Howerton back to the penalty box for his own high sticking penalty. A minute into the fourth Sherwood powerplay of the night, Botti was assessed another high sticking penalty putting the Lightning down two skaters. Upper Montgomery throttled the Warriors attempts and Bernard was there to make timely saves. As first Howerton’s penalty expired, and then Botti’s penalty ended, it became clear that the final minute of regulation would play out with both teams realizing that the outcome had been decided.

Upper Montgomery will play for the most important championship in program history tomorrow when the Lightning face the Wootton Patriots in the Montgomery Hockey Conference Varsity Playoff Tournament Championship game. It will be a matchup of the top two teams not invited to the Maryland Student Hockey League state playoffs. After not beating Wootton for the first fourteen years of the Upper Montgomery program’s existence, Upper Montgomery swept Wootton last year winning 8-2 and then 4-2 in the rematch. Tomorrow, the Lightning hope to make it three straight wins over the Patriots culminating in the traditional stake around the rink with the championship trophy held high.

Game Notes:

• Lightning senior co-captain and leading scorer Chris Hassett scored four goals versus the Warriors one game after scoring a career high five goals versus Northwest / Quince Orchard.
• Upper Montgomery forward Brandon Bernard contributed three assists in the game.
• Upper Montgomery forward Philip Shkeda also contributed three assists in the game.
• Upper Montgomery outshot Sherwood 38 to 27 for the game.
• Upper Montgomery finishes the season tomorrow against arch rival Wootton in the Montgomery Hockey Conference Varsity Playoff Tournament Championship game. Puck drop is 4:20 pm at Rockville Ice Arena.

Three Stars of the Game:

First Star—Chris Hassett—Upper Montgomery Center—4 Goals
Second Star—Landon Bernard—Upper Montgomery Goalie—Win, 26 Saves, .963 Save Percentage
Third Star—Brandon Bernard—Upper Montgomery Forward—3 Assists