2024 NJSIAA ICE HOCKEY PUBLIC CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: Northern Highlands vs Manalapan

By, David Hashagen

Newark, NJ —

The calendar has finally turned to March, and after three months of twists and turns, the Road to the Rock has been completed for two schools with very different histories in the state final.  On one side, we have Northern Highlands, who have blown their way through the Public North bracket and are 2 for 2 in the State Finals.  On the other, Manalapan’s squad has been led by tremendous defense and goaltending, but has never graced the highest stage in New Jersey high school hockey.  Regardless of history or titles, the Public Final should be an outstanding one to watch.

North Champions: Northern Highlands Highlanders (20-5-0, +87 Goal Differential)

To say that Northern Highlands has had another incredible season would be an understatement.  But to say that they have also been unfulfilled this season would not be entirely wrong.  Despite a 20-win season and breezing through the state tournament so far, the Highlanders have only taken home 1 piece of hardware this season, that being the North Public Championship.  Coach Beswick’s squad fell at the semi-final stage in the Bergen Co. Tournament to Bergen Catholic, and in the quarterfinal round of the Big North Gold Cup to Pascack Valley.  But if anything those two losses have fueled Northern Highlands to a trail of destruction in the state playoffs, outscoring opponents 30-4 in their four games., including a massive upset against the undefeated number-one-seeded Randolph Rams.

Offense:

Northern Highlands boasts one of the most impressive offenses in the state, boasting 145 goals this season for an average of 5.8 goals per game and a +87 goal differential.  They are led by a phenomenal top line of Vincenzo Capano, Brent Beswick, and Jake Baratta who each have over 50 points on the season and have contributed 91 goals on the season.  The top three combine not just outstanding shooting and speed, but also can smother opponents in the offensive zone and force mistakes from their opponents. Contributions by JT Gandara, Matt Gershengorn, and others down the roster certainly make the Highlanders offense one to be reckoned with no matter who takes the ice. 

Defense and Goaltending:

The defense corps for Highlands brings a great mix of two-way defensemen who can lead the attack and great blue line stalwarts that can shut down an opponent.  Caden Rek, Blake Klein, and Daniel Kulbanskiy have had excellent seasons in terms of points but very rarely slack on defense.  Anatoliy Indyk is a key piece on the back end that doesn’t get enough credit for his work, but is consistently in the right place at the right time.  In goal, sophomore Reade Adams has done a fabulous job replacing standout Daniel Moor in net with three shutouts this season, and very rarely gives up rebounds to his opponents.

X-Factor:

Experience.  For the Seniors and Juniors of this Northern Highlands group, this will be their second trip to the Prudential Center in three years.  It’s a group that has experienced the highest of highs in 2022 and the heartbreak of last year at Codey.  All of that leads to a wealth of experience that will serve them well no matter what situation arises at The Rock on Monday.  Coach Beswick will have his group ready and looking for the school’s 3rd state title in the last seven years.

South Champion: Manalapan Braves (19-3-1, +66 Goal Differential)

The run of the Manalapan Braves has been one of the feel-good stories of the season.  The number three seed in the South Public bracket have tasted defeat just three times this season and played nearly perfect defense in the state tournament, allowing just one goal per game in their four games.  Those games came against schools with excellent pedigrees in the state finals such as Watchung Hills, and Hunterdon Central, and bodes well for the Braves as they face a juggernaut Northern Highlands squad.  But if there’s anyone who can stop them, it may just be the Braves.

Offense:

The Braves offense runs on the senior pair of Michael Schmelzer and Josh Kushnir.  Schmelzer, who has 32 tallies on the season, has been on fire in the state playoffs, scoring 8 goals including the lone goal in the Public South final.  Kushnir has been the key distributor with 31 assists but has also tacked on 13 goals on the year.  Thomas Lena and Alfred Piscino have had an underrated contribution this season with over 20 points apiece and freshman John Honovic has had a breakout campaign with 8 goals and 11 assists on the year.  The second and third lines will need to have effective shifts all night to counter the Highlands attack.

Defense:

It’s been along the blue lines and in the crease where the true strength of this Braves team lies, and could be the most important part of their chance at a first state title.  Goaltender Christian Esposito has become a folk hero for Manalapan, sporting a .927 save percentage and 3 shutouts on the season.  Defensively, Coach Matt Inzerillo may have the strongest group of defensemen to take the Prudential Center ice on Monday. All three defensive pairs have been shut down all season long led by seniors Alfred Piscino, Daniel Yakub, and James Stevens, with great supporting pieces like Ryan Peters and Owen O’Donnell being key players.

X-factor:

Fan Support.  As someone who has called a lot of games at Mennen Arena, I have seen some fantastic atmospheres and some incredible student sections over previous seasons.  But the scenes that the Manalapan fans and students brought to the South Public Final was up there with any that we have seen.  It’s hard to underestimate how much of a difference a loud fan section can mean in a big game, let alone the biggest game in program history.  But it was clear that the team fed off the energy of the fans at Mennen.  If the Manalapan faithful pack the Prudential Center on Monday, it could very well lead their team to their first-ever state title.

The Public State Final will take place at Prudential Center on Monday, March 4th, with puck drop at 7:45 PM.

Cover Photo Credit: Mike Cahill