Somerset, NJ – Sunday night not only entails football on the big screen but one of the biggest games for the year that Protec Ponds will host for the 2020-21 Eastern Hockey League (EHL) campaign.
The Protec Jr. Ducks host the EHL’s top team in the New Jersey 87’s for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop and also marks the second time this season fans witness a Battle for the Garden State. The two Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) foes last met on Oct. 5, when the 87’s defeated Protec by a score of 3-2. However, the contest did go to overtime, but it was New Jersey’s Kei Yasuda who netted the game-winning goal with less than two-minutes remaining in the frame.
(Jr. Ducks/Graphics & Digital Media)
Keep in mind that head coach Terry Watt’s squad portrayed resilience in the effort against 87’s. After allowing two second-period goals, Protect netted a pair of tallies in the third period. Jordan Guigui and Brody Selman both found the back of the net to send the game into the extra frame.
Entering the contest, the Jr. Ducks are fresh off a 5-4 win vs. New York Apple Core. As for New Jersey, Yasuda and company defeated Team Maryland in convincing fashion on Friday. The 87’s took down Maryland by a score of 8-2, and both are hungry for not only a Garden State victory but points in the standings.
A “W” for Protec would act as a statement win and could potentially provide a confidence boost for the flock.
(Jr. Ducks/Graphics & Digital Media)
Keep an eye on Jr. Ducks forwards Brayden Patricia and Connor Tartaglione, who both recorded multi-goal efforts vs. New York in the last contest. Getting on the board early and slowing down New Jersey’s momentum and pace could also act as a key factor for Protec.
Additionally, the EHL announced on Friday that Patricia, Spencer Quinn and defenseman Tyler Ebeling were officially named 2020-21 All-Stars.
New Jersey 87's (12-0-2--28pts) vs. JR. DUCKS (6-4-4--16PTS)
(The Protec Jr. Ducks can be followed on Twitter @ProtecJrDucks)
