New Jersey 87’s Show Resiliency in Run to EHL Title

Atkinson scored the game-winning goal, Everett Schneider connected 44 seconds later, and Houli’s 25 saves secured a 2-0 shutout victory.

“Once Everett scored, I had a pretty good feeling we were going to win it,” Atkinson said.

Houli helped create that feeling with his play throughout the season.

“The game was truly defining of who Owen was for us all year,” Houli said. “We knew we had a good goalie and in that final weekend, in playoffs, he just put it all together for us. He’s a goalie that can steal a game.”

Two power plays — one for each team — helped decide the title.

Atkinson broke the shutout 18 seconds into the second New Jersey power-play chance.

“It was a bit stressful,” Atkinson said. “We got the power-play opportunity and my linemate, Matt Anastasio, got a shot. A rebound popped out and I was able to wrap it around to score the first goal of the game.”

The 2-0 lead was in jeopardy when Walpole went on a five-minute power play after a major penalty 6:55 into the third period.

“I was just thinking to myself, stay calm and stick with the basics,” Hains said of playing with the two-goal lead. “I knew my team would have my back.

“During that five-minute penalty kill, I only saw one shot, which just goes to show how good my defense was in that game.”

In addition to being playoff MVP, Atkinson was joined on the all-tournament team by Hains, Herrick and Matt Zdanowicz.

Houli said Herrick, a defenseman who was often relied upon for 25-30 minutes per night, “epitomized what the 87’s were by being able to shut down top players and then also being able to drive the pace” on the other end while Zdanowicz had unmatched speed that allowed him to “take over a game at any given shift.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.