Crampton's last stand

His Kinnelon career over, Pete Crampton took the loss with the same class that he demonstrated when he was on the winning side. The only senior on the Colt roster saw this program go from a good team in the Haas Division to a state champion and now a state finalist. Though he lost, what better place to end his very successful high school career than on the ice of the Prudential Center. While his graduation will leave a big void to be filled on the team's first line, brother Mike is there to pick up the mantle passed to Pete from their cousin Tom Mongelli who was the captain of last year's team. The best thing about this year was that despite many players getting their first significant ice time of their careers, the team came within one game of winning back to back state titles. The truth is Ramsey played better today and deserved the win and congrats to them, but to Pete Crampton and everyone else on the Kinnelon team they will soon look back on this year with pride. The future is bright as well as the school tries to build an elite hockey program.

Not to be

It just wasn't to be for Kinnelon today. They never seemed in synch and Ramsey took it to them. They lost 2-0 but had every opportunity with 40 shots on goal. That is incredible that they weren't able to convert on any of their shots. A lapse on defense and a power play goal was all they surrendered; Jeff Molner made saves on at least three or four breakaways.

It was a great year for the Colts but came up just a bit short. With just one senior though, they will be back.

last gasp?

under 6 minutes, still down 2-0. a penalty on ramsey's ricky gnassi gives the colts a power play in what might be their last best chance to get into the game

ramsey's bunker mentality

Ramsey seems content to pack it into the defensive end and play conservative on offense as they nurse their lead. Kinnelon seems off their game a bit today, just enough to be in trouble, down 2-0 with 8:32 to play

End of the second

The Colts outshot the Rams 19-13 in the second but a power play goal by Ramsey's Tyler Bishop gave the Rams a 2-0 lead. Kinnelon is getting their chances, but Matt Braun is as tough in goal as anyone Kinnelon has faced. He has 28 saves through 2.

The third goal in a 2-0 game is critical. If Ramsey gets up 3-0, that could be the end for Kinnelon. If the Colts make it 2-1, then it is anyone's game. This is where the experience and leadership is needed for Kinnelon. They can not play short; the first penalty of the game came back to haunt them in just 9 seconds.

Defensively Kinnelon seemed to pick it up and Molner did thwart a couple of short handed breakaways. Its on the offensive side that Kinnelon is being frustrated. 28 shots and no scores is almost hard to believe. They are much more efficient at closing the deal and need to do so quickly in the third. With each passing minute, their task to get exponentially more difficult for them.

Power plays for Colts

Up a man, Kinnelon attacked but Matt Braun in the Ramsey net stopped everything that went his way. Ramsey, down a man, had 2 breakways, but Molner did his thing. With 2:13 left in the 2nd, time is running out. Kinnelon needs to score quickly. Another power play with 1:30 left for the Colts, is giving them opportunities, but they need to take advantage. They end the second up in shots, 28-24, but have yet to break through.

Ramsey lengthens the lead

A penalty called on Pete Crampton led to a power play goal by Tyler Bishop 9 seconds later. Down 2-0, Kinnelon needs to score the next goal. 3-0 is a tough deficit to overcome. Less than a minute after the power play goal, Mike Crampton got called for roughing. Not a good start for the Colts early in the second

End of the first period

Ramsey leads 1-0 and has been the more dominant team. They lead in shots 11-9 and have dictated the pace. A late flurry by Kinnelon in front of the net almost led to a goal but they were unable to redirect a shot by Justin McLaughlin with about 10 seconds to go. Its a clean game, no penalties called on either team.

Kinnelon has to find a way to deal with Ramsey's three lines. While they aren't rotating them equally, the first and second line seem to get in there more often, that depth can prove a problem as the game goes on into the 2nd and 3rd periods.

Kinnelon had their chances, but if they want to win they are going to have to slow down Ramsey's attack. Allowing 11 shots is not characteristic of Kinnelon but it is what Ramsey does; throw the puck on net and hope good things happen. The key for the Colts will be the defensive adjustments made between periods.

The game is close, one goal is nothing, but should Ramsey get up by two, then matters will be more complicated. No penalties is another key; in a close game Kinnelon can't afford a key player to be off the ice. It just exacerbates the lack of depth that already exists.

10:38 Ramsey scores

John Kirk scores the games first goal from in close. he was assisted by Patrick Rutowski. Ramsey leads 1-0. A mintute later Jonathen Rainey had a break away but Jeff Molner made the save

not much happening

The teams are feeling one another out, no serious threats. Shots are 4-3 in favor of Ramsey with 8 minutes left in the first. Seems like Pete Crampton is playing on both lines for now.

Opening minute....

Ramsey's John Kirk got a shot on goal but Molner was able to seure it. Both teams look like they are skating well, no sign of nerves though Kinnelon almost left a puck behind in the defensive end. They were able to clear it before Ramsey could pounce on it.

The teams hit the ice

It won't be long. Both teams are doing their skate around, sizing one another up as they do. Last year, Tom Mongelli told me the greatest thrill he had was coming onto the ice and seeing a sea of green shirts. This year the Colts are in white, so while the color of the sea may have changed, I'm sure the feeling was the same.

The Rock

If you haven't been to the Prudential Center, then its time you do. Its a first rate facility, easily accessible from major highways. The place treats the teams like royalty as they prepare for the biggest game of their season. The crowd is getting bigger. Press row is behind the Kinnelon side so I will have to deal with the Colt Crazies as they cheer on their team. Ramsey is well represented as well; should be a great game.

Live from Newark

Its about half an hour until game time, the crowd is milling in, the music is loud, perhaps too loud, but there is a sense of excitement. The ice is empty, freshly cut and awaiting the two teams to sully it's perfect sheen. I will continue to add entries as the game progresses; it is the next best thing to being here. OK, maybe not, but you will be able to get live updates as they happen and feel free to chime in with your feedback.

For what it's worth

Hardly a hockey expert and granted I just saw Ramsey play twice, but I think Kinnelon is going to defend their crown Saturday for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they are good. Really good. The Crampton's up top are a devastating scoring duo and Jeff Molner is sick in net. Billy Huber is like another coach on the ice and he shores up the defense. He gets the puck and gets after anyone that dare enter their zone. Secondly, they played an entire season in arguably the toughest division in the state. Playing teams like Mo-Beard, Randolph, Morris Knolls, Pingry, and Chatham night after night is essentially a season of playoff games. Then add out of conference games like Montgomery, you realize the level of competition that this team has faced and how battle tested they are. Third, after the Verona game, talking to some of the players and coaches, they had that look. You know the one, the kind of look that shows a quiet confidence as they get nearer to their season's quest. They know what its like to play in and win this game. I get the feeling they kind of enjoyed that experience and want to do it again.

I'm not saying Ramsey can't win this game because they are a fine team as well. They have three lines to Kinnelon's two, and their goal tender is just as clutch and effective as Molner. They dominated their league but in fairness, the top three teams in the NBIAL had a 36-6-5 record while the rest of the seven teams were 29-59-9. Still you need to play the teams that get on the ice against you and I'm sure that they do not want their early spring trip to Newark to come up empty. I think it will be close, but Kinnelon's experience and battle tested toughness should win out. Final score, 4-2.

Check here during the game as I try, and let me stress TRY to Blog live. Add some comments, especially if it proves that I have no idea what I'm talking about!!!!!!

Live blogging from the Rock

If all goes well, I will attempt to Blog live from the Prudential Center during tomorrow's championship hockey game between Kinnelon and Ramsey. Being technically challenged, it may not work out as well as it seems in my head, but I promise to do my best.