On Monday, December 11, the SHP varsity hockey team opened their 2023-2024 campaign at home against Bergen Catholic at Codey Arena. The Pirates were coming off a seemingly disappointing 2022-2023 season, going 8-11-2, and ending with a first round state playoff loss coming at the hands of St. Augustine. Co-head coaches Kevin Crane and Angelo Giambattista were let go of their posts following the season.

This year, Brian Monteverde ‘84 is the head man for the Pirates. Monteverde, a former winger for the Pirates, was a part of the legendary ‘83 team that won the Gordan Cup. Starting this season ranked #13 in the state, the Prep seemed ready for the 8 PM puck drop versus #8 ranked Bergen Catholic. Music was blasting from both locker rooms, and the energy in Codey Arena was high; both teams came ready to play. The game did not go the Pirates way at first, as the Crusaders scored two quick goals in the first five minutes of the first period. It was Vincent Distasio’s ‘26 first time in between the pipes on the varsity level. The Pirates finally got their break with five minutes left in the first; Nicky Schneider ‘24 scored on an assist from Captain Chris McIntyre ‘24. Although the Pirates trailed at the end of one, the consensus in the crowd was that the Pirates were out skating the Crusaders.

With just over 6 minutes left in the second period, the Pirates earned a power play. On assists from Andrew Tralongo ‘25 and John Renzullo ‘26, Schneider netted his second goal. Bergen would score once more two minutes before the break, as the Pirates trailed 3-2 entering the third period. Bergen would score again with thirteen minutes left in the game, and Monteverde made the call to pull Distasio in favor of Collin Burke ‘25. Distasio, only a sophomore, faced twenty shots, allowing four goals for an 80% save rate.

The Crusaders scored one final goal before the final horn; the final was Seton Hall Prep 2, Bergen Catholic 5. Burke faced ten shots, stopping nine for a 90% save rate. The Pirates had twenty-four shots on goal and converted one of their two power play opportunities. Defensemen Hudson Rocheville ’24 played exceptionally well for the Pirates, laying out massive hits throughout the game.

“I think it was a hard-fought loss,” said Schneider, “We skated well against a good team. If this is any indication about how the season will go, we’ll be all right.”