The Ride Continues for Kinnelon Ice Hockey Team

 Coach Jeff Myhren compared this season to an amusement park ride. 

“It’s been a roller coaster season for our team. We have had a lot of ups and downs. We play to the level of our opponents. We play our best games against top teams like Chatham and Randolph, but then lose to teams we should defeat.”

Friday’s impressive win against Montclair Kimberley Academy was quickly forgotten by a devastating loss to the highly-ranked Chatham Cougars Saturday.  After leading for the majority of the game, the Colts surrendered a two goal lead and ultimately lost 4- 3 against the Cougars.

Kinnelon got off to a quick lead, with Brian Gnad scoring four minutes into the game. Kyle Verblaau extended the lead when he received a beautiful pass from Hunter Ledwith and buried the puck behind Chatham’s goalie Jordan Boles.  However, the Cougars quickly cut the deficit in half when Jake Pyhel scored the first of his three goals to begin the comeback for Chatham.  

Jake Herendeen completed the comeback with a stunning backhand shot above Kinnelon Goalie Jason Braimon's blocker with five minutes left in the game.   Pyhel completed his second hat trick in consecutive games to seal the victory for the Cougars.

Kinnelon Goaltender Jason Braimon, still playing despite an upper body injury, played well, but wasn’t able to earn a victory.  “I’m obviously disappointed in our loss.  I am not questioning our effort at all.  We played well and we need to quit making mental mistakes. This is just a tough loss because we were on the brink of a playoff qualification and we lose to Chatham. It’s just a tough loss to deal with.”  

In order to continue this roller coaster ride, Coach Myhren has the perfect solution.  “We have to cut down on the mistakes. Mistakes in the neutral zone, our defensive zone, and create offensive opportunities. We will watch some video and practice hard to get us ready for Randolph.”

Kinnelon travels to Mennen Arena on Thursday to face the Randolph Rams.