HATFIELD—The hockey season is only a few weeks old but La Salle took a demanding test Tuesday afternoon. Patrick Reilly scored two goals to lead Christian Academy to a 5-1 win over the Explorers in a non-league matchup at the Hatfield Ice Arena’s Green Rink.

The Colts, who have won eight New Jersey state championships in their history, have started their 2021-22 schedule with two wins. La Salle dropped to 0-4.

“We knew they were good,” said La Salle coach Wally Muehlbronner. “They were fast, they moved the puck well. They’re a good, strong team.”

The Colts got on the board just 41 seconds into the opening period on a goal from Leighton Blesiadecki, who beat Wilum Braun in the La Salle net. Reilly made it 2-0 at the 12:47 mark before adding his second goal with 1:22 left in the period.

For a team that has scored just five goals in its first four games, the three-goal deficit was a steep hill to climb. To complicate matters further, the Explorers lost senior forward Keenan Schneider late in the period with an upper-body injury.

Zachary Wagnon made it a 4-0 game with his own power-play goal 8:06 into the middle period before assisting on Sean Guinnessey’s effort at 14:43.

La Salle got on the board 59 seconds into the final period when Ryan Desmond was able to solve Christian Brothers Academy netminder John Donohoe.

Muehlbronner took some steps on Tuesday to try to ease the Explorers’ goal-scoring woes. “We mixed the lines up a little bit,” he said. “I think we’re making progress, but we’ve just got to keep at it.”

Muelbronner is expecting his team to take some lessons away from the loss.

“They certainly should,” he said. “I think one thing we have to realize is how much we have to simplify our game when we play against a team like that. We didn’t really do it.  We were holding on to the puck too long and they were on us quick. They took us off the puck, created plays. 

“They moved the puck extremely well, so I guess our younger guys can learn from that. But we didn’t adapt to it quick enough.”

Ice Chips—The Colts outshot the Explorers 35-26. The Explorers will open Mid-Atlantic Prep League play next Wednesday on the road against Wyoming Seminary.

CBA 3 2 0—5

La Salle 0 0 1—1

First-period goals: Leighton Blesiadecki (CBA) from Zachary Wagnon and Sean Guinnessey, :41; Patrick Reilly (CBA) from Antonio Donohue and E. Burg, 12:47; Reilly (CBA) from Wagnon, 15:38 (pp)

Second-period goals: Wagnon (CBA) unassisted, 8:06 (pp); Guinnessey (CBA) from Wagnon and Christian Chewha, 14:43

Third-period goals: Ryan Desmond (L) from Charles Kennedy, :59

Shots: CBA 35, La Salle 26: Saves: John Donohoe (CBA) 25, Willum Braun (L) 30

For more information about La Salle College High School Click Here

Promote your product or service at Hockey Happenings. Contact us at rwoelfel2013@gmail.com  for more information