OP Puck Home Opener

On Friday night, the Oratory Varsity hockey team, also known as “OP Puck”, faced off against Verona Glen Ridge for Oratory’s home opener in Union. That night, a record crowd showed up to support the team, with roughly more than 50 kids to cheer on their fellow Rams. The game began with the puck drop, and 14 seconds later a goal for Oratory from senior John Spitznagel. Less than 5 minutes later, goalie Greg Lahr created a pass to sophomore Will Moran, who then passed to James Crapser for a quick fast break goal at the 10:40 mark in the first period. After much back and forth play from both teams, the Rams went into the locker room after the first period with a lead of 2-0. Coming off yet another hot start to the period, senior John Meehan went upper 90 and scored the third goal for the rams within the first minute of play in the second period. After many big plays and hits from the Rams defense, John Meehan dangles the puck through the defense, breaks some kids ankles, and scores his second goal of the night with 30 seconds left in the second period. Following this goal, Oratory had all of the momentum going into the final period. After countless saves from goalie Greg Lahr, Oratory’s defense and goalie made it practically impossible for anyone to finesse a goal on them. With about 5 minutes left in the third and final period, John Spitznagel scored his second goal of the day by megging the goalie after skating through the defense. This goal was the icing on the cake, as the Rams rolled to a 5-0 victory against their conference opponents behind Greg Lahr’s 44 saves in net. This win gave the Rams a 2-0 record following the first week of full games, with 2 big wins against conference opponents. The Rams play next on Wednesday, December 5th again at home. It is important that many students show up to these home games, as the hockey team truly performs better in front of their classmates.