For the fifth and final time this season Don Bosco and St Joe’s Regional met, with the winner advancing to Monday’s State Championship at The Prudential Center. In another one goal thriller between the second and third ranked teams in the state, the Ironmen prevailed 1-0.
Delaney celebrates Ironmen Goal In State Semi-Finals
After two periods of back and forth play, where both goalies shined on the biggest stage, Sophomore Kyle Delaney (8g, 15a) buried the eventual game winner with less than 12 minutes remaining in the third period off a brilliant feed from Senior Ryan Murphy (13g, 16a). Murphy won an offensive zone draw clean, beat one defender and fed a pass to the high slot, where Delaney buried the game’s only goal. However, it was DBPs Sophomore Goalie, Alex Annunziato (1.70 GAA) who stole the show, stopping all 22 shots he faced while earning his first shutout of the season. The Ironmen now advance to take on top seeded Delbarton in Monday’s NJSIAA Non-Public Final at The Rock!
Check out the highlights of our game courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone.
Please come and support the Ironmen as they look to knock off the defending champions and win their second NJSIAA State Championship. Puck drop is 5:30pm, Monday March 9th at The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Tickets must be bought online and can be purchased here.
For those unable to attend, the game is available to stream for $10 on NJ.com.
Facing an upstart Pope John team fresh off a 4-1 victory over bergen catholic in the NJSIAA Non-Public Quarterfinals, the Ironmen found themselves in an early 1-0 deficit after the first period. Following the ice cut, Don Bosco’s Jack Foye (7g, 26a) lit the lamp to tie the game. 34 seconds later, Senior Ryan Murphy (13g, 16a) netted his first of two, to put Don Bosco ahead for a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Murphy also added two assists on the night as Devan Stokes (1g, 2a), Nick Zayas (2g, 11a) and Kyle Delaney (7g, 15a) finished off the scoring.
Sr Captain, Nick Zayas
Don Bosco will face SJR in the Non-Public Semi-Finals at Codey Arena for the fifth time this season on Wednesday March 4th at 4:30pm for a chance to play at the Prudential Center for a State Championship.
Barely a week had gone by since the Ironmen lost the State Football final to SJR, but Bosco Hockey was determined to right the ship and start the hockey season on the right foot. Facing a very talented St Joseph Regional team, the Ironmen and Green Knights were deadlocked at zero halfway through the second when SJR struck first, taking a 1-0 lead. However, there was no panic in the Ironmen, when they returned to the ice for the thrid period. Playing solid two way hockey, the Ironmen tied the game a little over 3 minutes into the final frame, as Sophomore Preston Ferro opened the scoring on assists from Sophomores Jack Foye and Kyle Delaney. Bosco continued pressing SJR throughout the 3rd, outshooting the Green Knights nine to five in the 3rd period and 26-18 on the game, with
Soph Goalie, Alex Annuziata stopped 17 of 18 shots vs SJR
Sophomore Goalie, Alex Annunziata stopping 17 of 18 shots in the season debut. Late in the third period however, the team’s leaders closed the door as Senior Captain Jack Ashton put the Ironmen ahead on assists from fellow Senior Captain Nico Pappachristou and Junior Peyton Murphy.
The Ironmen are back in action this week with two big Gordon Conference opponents, 12/9 at St. Augustine Prep and 12/11 at Princeton Day School.
Don Bosco Hockey is proud to announce this years Team Captains. Led by four outstanding Seniors, this year’s squad is in great hands with this leadership group. Returning for his fourth year as a Varsity player, Niko Pappachristou (15g, 18a) brings size and skill to round out his two way center game. Joining Niko in our leadership group are two year Varsity letterman Senior forwards Jack Ashton (7g, 7a), Jack Ozder (1g, 4a) and Senior defenseman Nick Zayas (1g, 3a). All four players will be leaned upon for their leadership qualities giving the Ironmen toughness and grit where ever they play in the lineup.
Sr Captain, Nick Zayas
Sr Captain, Jack Ozder
Additionally, Coach Toskos is looking forward to this group mentoring the younger players, saying, “Each year our Captains provide invaluable experience to our younger players, helping to establish a winning culture that they’ve been a part of since they started and I expect this group to carry on that tradition.”
Don Bosco opens up at home on December 4th vs SJR. Additional December home games include, 12/14 vs St. Augustine, 12/23 vs bc (Rivalry Night) and 12/28 vs Gloucester Catholic.
McLinskey accepts plaque commemorating his 100th point
Former Don Bosco Hockey standout, Liam McLinskey ’19 has been nominated for the second year in a row as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. The 2024 Atlantic Hockey Player of the year has amassed an impressive stat line in his three years at Holy Cross, scoring 55 goals and adding 44 assists in 105 games played. Most recently, Liam was named Atlantic Hockey Player of the Week (January 27th) and currently leads all Crusaders in goals (15) and points (27) on the season. A stalwart during his time with the Ironmen, Liam is 6th all time in scoring for Don Bosco (75g, 53a) and was a Captain on the 2019 Gordon Cup and State Championship team. Wishing all the best to Liam and Holy Cross as they look to return to the NCAA tournament this March.
Check out some highlights from Liam’s time at Don Bosco, courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone.
