Four early goals were enough for the Green Knights to finish the job.
SJR scored three in the opening 15 minutes and added another one early in the second period to defeat CBA 4-1 and advance to the state semifinals.
The Green Knights erupted early. 18 seconds into the match up, SJR found the back of the net early, and the Green and Gold were in business.
"It was kind of a weird play," said Coach Matt Juneau.
"We had a broken stick, so we had a line change. We were talking about being ready off the bench. Kyle (Kondratowicz) caught the puck in transition, made a great pass, and a great finish. It was a great way to start."
The Green Knights carried their hot start through the entire first period, adding two more goals before the buzzer. CBA managed to get on the board late in the period, scoring their only goal of the game.
"We've emphasized getting off to a good start," said Coach Juneau.
"It's got to be 45 minutes of pure hockey, and you've got to get off to a good start. Every game is critical.?It kind of sets its own standard for the whole game."
Coming into the second period, the Green Knights got off to yet another nice start, scoring in the opening minutes. However, the rest of the game, both teams' offenses would go silent.
"We've kind of been a team that scores bunches this year," said Coach Juneau.
"We kind of fizzled out a little bit. I would say yes (it's concerning). But more concerning are the penalties when we get a lead."
Nonetheless, SJR would do just enough early on to secure a 4-1 win, and find themselves in their second straight semifinal game.
In the semifinals, the Green Knights will face an opponent they know all too well, in Don Bosco Prep. This will be the fourth time the Green Knights will face off against the Ironmen this season.
All year long, the 20-4-1 Ironmen have consistently put out great defense and even better offense. In 25 games, Don Bosco has allowed 2.3 goals a game, while averaging 4 goals a game, with sophomore Preston Ferro leading the way with 21 goals and 34 points.
"They're good. There is no sugar coating that. They've got talent, it's gonna be a tough game. ?Probably a one-goal game, like the first three times, so it'll be fun," said Coach Juneau
In the regular season, SJR dropped both match ups, 2-1. In the Bergen County final, the Green Knights won in OT 2-1, and in the most recent match up in the Gordon Cup semifinals, SJR lost 5-1 after giving up four in the first period.
What will have to be the biggest change for the Green Knights coming off a crushing 5-1 loss? Emotions.
"You've got to keep under control the entire game. And we've got to stay out of the penalty box," said Coach Juneau.
The semifinals will take place on March 4th at Codey Arena at 4:30 pm with a trip to the Prudential Center on the line.
