And Now the Fun Really Starts

      Today’s afternoon tilt between the 10-2 (11-4 overall) Hanover Marauders and the one win Manchester Memorial Crusaders had the feeling of the calm before the storm.   While the Crusaders did own a recent 6-6 tie with Trinity under their belt, most everyone in Hanover nation expected a win today prior to embarking on the stretch run which will see them battle with playoff team after playoff team leading to the state tourney in early march.  And making yet another trip down to JFK arena on a cold, blustery February day, the marauders got a little more game than they bargained more with a 5-1 win.

      The goals came in equal bunches in this one, with two goals in the firs two periods and a closer in the third.  Sy Oberting, Charlie Plottner, Toño Correa, and Duncan Bailey twice found the twine, with assists going to Joey Goff x 3, Plottner, Correa x 2, Oberting and Will Laycock.  Ben Plottner had 10 saves for the locals.

      While admittedly not the best blog of the year, this was the type of game that really didn’t warrant too much attention.  Because starting Wednesday we see what Hanover has learned this year and what we can expect for the States.  In succession it goes – Concord, Exeter, Concord, Bedford, Bishop Brady.  All good.  All playoff teams.  All wanting to knock off the defending state champs.  Time to bring it Marauders – the best time of year is upon us.  See you at the rink.