Ocean entered their game against RBC as huge underdogs, and gave the defending Shore Conference Tournament champions a run for their money before falling, 4-2, at the Red Bank Armory. RBC’s Kyle Amato scored twice, and RBC held on in the 3rd period to move on to the next round in the Shore Tournament. It was disappointing for Ocean Township, who came out with energy against #2 RBC, only to come up short.

“I thought we played hard,” said forward Robby Feathers. “But we had a few slip-ups that cost us the game.”

After a tense 1st period which saw RBC strike first on a Kyle Amato goal, the 2 teams would trade momentum in the 2nd period. Robby Feathers would tie the game with a goal early in the period, but momentum would turn RBC’s way when Amato scored his 2nd goal on a power play just minutes later to give RBC a 2-1 lead. The power play came as the result of a nasty collision by Ocean’s Henry Cioffi and RBC’s John Horner. Horner had to be helped off the ice, but would later return to the game.

Things would really get crazy in the final 25 seconds of the period. First, Ocean’s Mike Steer tied the game at 2-2 with 23.5 seconds remaining. Not to be outdone, RBC would respond with a goal from Brian Andereson with just 2.1 seconds left in the period. That last-second goal brought the huge crowd of green-and-gold clad fans to their feet, and ruined the momentum that Ocean had just created. RBC would add an Evan Hoey goal in the 3rd period to go up 4-2, which would end up being the final score.

Although Ocean is out of the Shore Conference Tournament, they are still eligible to play in the State Tournament. And for the teams that Ocean may face, watch out. Ocean may not be the most talented team, but when they work together and play hard, they can hang with any team, as RBC learned tonight.

Next Game: Ocean takes on Lawrence High School at home at Jersey Shore Arena on February 11, where they have gone 4-1-1 in their last 6 games.