JPS hockey program building strong base

The growth of the J.P. Stevens High School ice hockey team shouldn’t be measured in wins and losses. The program is in its sixth year and clearly has a ways to go before it can even be competitive in the Greater Middlesex Conference.

However, the 1-8-2 Hawks are making progress says head coach, John Peach.

“The sport continues to grow here,” says Peach, who has been the coach since the program’s inception, “and we’re at the point where we’re starting to see multiple family members on the team. We’re working with the middle schools to build a strong base so that when they arrive at the high school, the players will have developed skills.”

Evidence that ice hockey is growing in popularity has been the establishment of a parents hockey association designed to promote the accomplishments of the two Edison high schools. The association publicizes its activities on a website. Recent activities include an alumni game between former Hawks and Eagles.

Scoring, or lack of it, has been what has plagued JPS, especially against more experienced teams. The Hawks feature only two who have scored more than a goal—team leader Adam Sklar, a sophomore, who has netted four goals and has assisted on five, and Alex Moskal, who has notched two goals and assisted on three. The other goal scorers are Matt Distefano (one goal, two assists), Dushan Kolesar (one goal, two assists), JosephKolesar (one assist), Brian Svitok (one goal, one assist) andAlex Wallerstein (one assist).

Other members of the roster include Ben Bakshiev, Anna

Chirnogga, Derek Kaplan, Anshu

Kataria, Paulina Semenoff, Mike

Small, Eric Svitok, and Maurizio

Toto.

The lone victory came Jan. 9 when the Hawks topped J.F. Kennedy, 7-5, to avenge a 9-2 defeat to the Mustangs in December. The ties have both been against Colonia, 6-6 and 3-3.

“My philosophy is that everybody gives 100 percent and learns to play the game the right way,” said Peach. “It is difficult developing the newer players, especially when going against more advanced teams because you need to keep certain players on the ice for longer periods of time. However, we have developed great team chemistry and the players are learning from each other.

“This is one of the hardest working groups I’ve been around,” said Peach. “Some may be new at this game but their willingness to learn has been great.”

The Hawks will complete the season by facing cross-town rival, Edison (3-7-1), Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 and close out the campaign Feb. 11 against Old Bridge.