NEWARK, Del. — A fast, aggressive and balanced Avon Grove (2-0-0) team steadily outpaced Conestoga en route to a handy 5-1 victory on Friday (Jan. 22) at the Patriot Ice Center.
After ceding initial momentum to Conestoga, the Devils found their groove 4:06 into the first period, with Johnny Pepe scoring his second goal of the season amid a flurry of net-front activity, and third-line winger Ricky Stoner adding a second goal for Avon Grove at 14:15. With their legs more surely under them in the second period, Avon Grove was able to generate a number of odd-man rushes leading to goals from all three members of the second line — Brady Buchwald, Jordan Fabian and Nate Crossan. Andrew Pisano scored the lone goal for Conestoga, finishing a give-and-go attack with Dom Mascieri with 1:29 remaining in the second period.
Sophomore goalie Justin Mackley stopped 13 of 14 shots in the game, which was called with 8:27 remaining due to health precautions. Freshman Luc Beauparlant recorded 31 saves on 36 shots faced for the Pioneers.
Avon Grove returns to action on Friday (Jan. 29), hosting Downingtown West at Ice Line in West Chester, Pa. The game will air live on Delaware Hockey Night.
