Hermits will need to play their best

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, March, 2008 | by Bill Iezzi Inquirer Staff Writer

Hard-checking St. Augustine Prep, the defending NJSIAA Non-Public state ice hockey champion, will be taking the ice against Delbarton School this afternoon at Newark's Prudential Center in a fight to hold on to its crown. The third-seeded Hermits (17-6-3) enter the 2 p.m. title game as an underdog against top-seeded Delbarton (26-1-1), winner of 22 straight, including three over St.

Augustine. "We'll have to play a flawless game," St. Augustine center Zach Stern said. "If you make a mistake, they'll make you pay." Stern and two other senior members of last year's championship team make up the Hermits' top line. The others are right wing Ryan Mara and left wing Dave Macalino. The trio has collected 58 goals and 51 assists. Mara leads the pack with 29 goals and 17 assists,...