On January 13, 2020, the sixth-ranked Pirates faced off against the fifth-ranked Green Wave of Delbarton inside Codey Arena. This game would prove to be symbolic of the bitter rivalry between the two schools. With hard hits and numerous penalties, the matchup showed that the two teams just did not like each other. As for putting the puck in the net, the Pirates had a hard time scoring against the daunting Green Wave defense. The Pirates would have many chances throughout the night to get the puck behind Green Wave goalie Brett Cleaves, however, starting in the first period.

Within the first five minutes of the game, the Pirates were gifted a 5-on-3 for over a minute. As would be the case for both teams, though, the Pirates were not able to capitalize on the power play as they scored no goals with the two man advantage. The Pirates were even able to score during this first period, but a late offside call took the goal off the board. The Green Wave would also have a chance on the power play, but they too were unable to get anything pass Pirate goalie Jake Schunke ’22. The first period would end in a score of 0-0.

The second period would be much of the same for the Pirates. They were just unable for most of the night to get any quality shots on net. The Prep would have even more power play opportunities in this period, but would once again fail to score on the man advantage. The first team to score would be the Green Wave, ten minutes and sixteen seconds into the period. Despite great defense by the Pirates within their own zone, forward Ben Conrod of Delbarton was able to get a shot past Schunke on his left side. Although they were down 1-0, the Pirates seemed to be in control for most of the night. They had 27 shots on goal compared to Delbarton’s 18. The period would end with a score of 1-0 Delbarton.

Fourteen minutes and 54 seconds into the third period, Delbarton scored again, creating a two goal lead with just five minutes left in the game. Off of a fantastic assist from Ben Conrod, Green Wave forward Trip Pendy scored a breakaway goal in the top corner of the net. This goal was a heart-breaker for the Pirates as a two-goal deficit seemed to be too steep a slope for them to climb. Despite having a multitude of chances, the Pirates were once again shut out in the period until a goal by Pirate forward Brendan Waivada was scored with just one minute remaining in the game. This goal made the final minute interesting, but they were unable to get that equalizing goal. They fell to Delbarton 2-1.

The Pirate season has been up-and-down to begin the year. They are now 6-5-2 with wins over Summit and St. Augustine yet losses to Christian Brothers and now Delbarton. Despite scoring 7 goals in their last game against Hun, the Pirates were unable to get anything going against the Green Wave. The multitude of missed opportunities has to be disappointing as they get deeper into the season, but they also have to use it as motivation. Although they never capitalized, the fact that they had that many opportunities shows that they are able to compete with New Jersey’s best.

Looking ahead, the Pirates will have the opportunity to prove to the state that they are to be feared in the postseason. The Prep’s next four games are all rematches against teams currently ranked in the top five. They lost 3-1 to first-ranked Christian Brothers on January 15, and then next up are fifth-ranked Delbarton, second-ranked Don Bosco Prep, and third-ranked Gloucester Catholic. This stretch of games will be the most important thus far in the season for Seton Hall. Playing well in these games will not only give them confidence going into the Gordon Cup and state playoffs in February, but will also aid in their seeding for these tournaments with wins.