Zack Smolen
Newark, NJ —
Consistency is simultaneously every sporting program’s biggest goal and heftiest challenge. Particularly in the realm of public school hockey where prep schools and junior teams entice away much of the top talent. No one knows that more than Northern Highlands who lost their star goaltender Daniel Moor to the NCDC. And yet, here the Highlanders were at the home of the New Jersey Devils for the third time in six years with the state title in their sights.
Their opponents? A Manalapan Braves squad playing in Newark in March for the first time in program history. Fresh off of a one-to-nothing thriller against Westfield and with all of the confidence in the world, the 19-win Braves were ready to take on any challenge, and they certainly showed it.
The Highlanders opened the game with a dazzling start just three minutes in, beginning with a gorgeous two-on-one feed from Vincenzo Capono to Jake Barratta for the latter’s 30th score of the season. Daniel Kulbanskiy then followed up late in the period with a snipe from the slot on a powerplay to give his squad an early 2-0 advantage.
The second frame is where things started to get a little weird. Manalapan were often on their heels defensively, but managed to pot a goal from Michael Schmelzer on the team’s lone shot on goal of the period. Brent Beswick would answer a few moments later with a shorthanded goal set up masterfully by Capano, restoring his team’s two-goal advantage.
The maddness continued in the third as even though the Highlanders dominated possession, the Braves found ways to take full advantage of their chances by scoring on their first two shots. Sam Gankin added his fifth goal of the season, while Schmelzer laced the equalizer, testing the confidence of sophomore goaltender Reade Adams.
After several minutes of tense back-and-forth between the championship hopefuls, Capano lit the lamp as a result of a terrific effort play. Manalapan goaltender Christian Esposito made a pair of incredible stops on Beswick shots, only for Capano to find the smallest shred of daylight adjacent to the post to force through the eventual game-winner. Adams would show the poise of a champion to close out the game, shutting down the Braves’ final desperate attempts to tie it up.
The chemistry between many of the Highlanders was the key to winning two titles in three seasons. “It’s been incredible, this journey we’ve been on together,” Capano said after the game.
Putting together a dynasty not only results in present success, but inspires future generations to carry on the legacy. “We take pride in the front of the jersey…coach Beswick installed that right away, ‘you battle for the front of the jersey,'” Capano said. “I’d tell younger Highlanders, enjoy it, because this is the best four years of my life, and I feel like it’s definitely the best four years for a lot of guys in that locker room.”
It’s clear that Northern Highland has now established itself as one of the blue chip programs in New Jersey, going 3-0 in state championship games since 2018. Though they’ll lose many key contributors, the Highlanders appear set up to repeat for the first time in program history. But for now, they can relish in the rewards of a hockey journey well travelled.
