JVAA Falcons tie Pennridge 2-2 in exciting opener

The Pennsbury JVAA Falcons took the ice this season with a completely different look. They didn't really have much of the same roster from last season at all. The captaincy was chosen wisely by Coach Jonathan Millen, who got promoted to the next level of junior varsity hockey. He selected Sean Costello as captain, which is a great choice as Costello leads by example in his words and his play. His assistants are Jason Millen and Derrick Faro; a stud forward and offensive defenseman well worth the honors. The first period went by pretty quickly and both Pennsbury and Pennridge had their chances but both goaltenders were very solid. Notable was Jeff Stitt, who had 32 saves on 34 shots on the night. This included a crazy glove save in the third period, which robbed Pennridge and saved Pennsbury a point. Stitt was impressive all night long, he is looking much stronger entering this season than the last. The first goal on him was not Stitt's fault as Sean Costello dove and blocked the inital shot and it worked it's way back to the point, where Chris Lefbvre accidentally deflected it into the Falcon's net. Lefbvre skated off really down on himself but he later redeemed himself. He had some monsterous hits out there, at least three that sent a Pennridge player flying. Jason Millen later tied the game up as he sniped one to the top of the net to tie the game at 1-1. Sean Costello played a very physical game, he made his presence known. He delivered 8 hits in the game and blocked 3 shots. The new captain was doing a bit of everything, he looked like a man on a mission. He delivered multiple big hits within that second period. Shane Lewis and Ian Patterson were generating some chances of their own. Lewis hit the goaltender in the mask three times with in the game; twice in the period. Notably, Liana Eyre and Kyle Boltersdorf changed to defense this season, whereas to last season they were both forwards. This was a great move by Coach Millen, as they both looked very strong at the blueline. It's a great way to use Eyre's speed and Boltersdorf's size. They both looked very solid tonight. Eric Michael, who is returning from a leg injury came into this game looking very strong. He finished plenty of checks and created a lot of scoring opportunities. He was my surprise of the night, good for him he puts a lot of effort in every game he plays. Pennsbury defenseman John Gindhart's skating has improved since last season, as he had plenty of good recovery plays and stopped plays from forming. Gindhart and Faro look to be a pair again this season on defense. Anyway, it was a 1-1 game going into the third when Pennridge got a goal as Egan beat Stitt fivehole a few minutes in. Stitt knew it was one he could have had and fell back in disbelief. But no matter, a play started by Sean Costello into the zone as he dropped it back to Jesse Perlstein; the Falcons leading scoring in JVA last season, who then passed it to Millen. From there, Millen passed it to the point where Derrick Faro scorched a slapshot past netminder Dustin Wexler for a 2-2 tie. Millen looked great all game long with his linemates from last season Sean Costello and Jesse Perlstein. Together, the three generated some big scoring chances at the end of the game but just couldn't get one in. In the end, the score ended in a tie but Pennsbury looks like they have a team to compete for a playoff spot this year in an overall good effort in Hatfield.