Veterans of America’s armed forces were recognized for their service in the Hopewell Valley-Montgomery High School varsity hockey team’s 10th annual Salute to Service game.
Proceeds from the game are donated to local veterans’ groups.
The funds raised from the game, which took place on Jan. 25, were donated to the Hopewell Valley Veterans Association and Montgomery Veterans Memorial Committee.
For the game, the Hopewell Valley-Montgomery High School hockey team faced off against Hunterdon Central Regional High School and defeated them, 3-1, at Tsai Field House on the Lawrenceville School campus in Lawrenceville.
During the game, Hunterdon Central’s Kyle Easley made the first score in the first period. That would be the only score of the game for Hunterdon Central as Hopewell Valley-Montogomery were able to shut them out in the second and third period.
The Hopewell Valley-Montgomery High School hockey team were unable to score in the first and second periods of the game. In the third period, the team earned three goals to win the matchup, 3-1.
Senior Evan Jacob tied the game 1-1 with 12:07 left to go in the game. He was assisted by sophomore Jack Riewe and senior Gavin Nau.
The score was followed with another as senior Logan Camilleri gave Hopewell Valley-Montgomery the lead, 2-1 as 9:48 was left in the game. He was assisted on the goal by senior Dylan Yasher.
The team’s final goal came from Jack Riewe making the game 3-1 for Hopewell Valley-Montgomery with 5:29 left in the game. He was assisted by Nau and senior Brenden Riewe.
The Salute to Service varsity hockey game was the idea of former Hopewell Valley Central High School (HVCHS) senior Michael Cowhey and his fellow varsity hockey teammates, according to previous news reports.
They organized and created the game and fundraised to raise money for veterans. Cowhey, now a veteran, returned to the game on Jan. 25 against Hunterdon Central.
The evening event also featured the Princeton Youth Hockey Association’s Princeton Mites matchup and a chuck-a-puck contest for children and adults.
After the 3-1 win at the Salute to Service game, the Hopewell Valley-Montgomery High School varsity hockey team secured another win defeating Manalapan High School on the road, 5-0, two days later.
As of Jan. 28, the team is now 16-2 (5-0 in the Colonial Valley Conference) for the 2024-25 varsity hockey season.
The Hopewell Valley-Montgomery High School varsity hockey team’s next opponents included Notre Dame High School on Jan. 29 and they will play North Hunterdon Regional High School on Jan 31 at 6:15 p.m.
Hopewell Valley-Montgomery High School varsity hockey team for the 10th annual Salute to Service game.
Freshman Patrick Slajchert (left) battles for the puck against Hunterdon Central.
Senior Evan Jacob (center) with the puck on Jan. 25.
Senior Gavin Nau (center) looks to make a play with the puck against Hunterdon Central.
Princeton Mites during the Salute to Service evening.
Two children wait their turns to chuck a puck in the chuck-a-puck contest on the Salute to Service evening on Jan. 25.
10th annual Salute to Service game.
