Nick Swain scored with 10:23 left and Trevor Cear knocked in an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal Jackson Memorial High School’s ice hockey team victory, 2-0, over Southern Regional High School for its first Handchen Cup championship Feb. 16 at Jersey Shore Arena in Wall.
Matt Pousson made 24 saves in goal for the fourth shutout for Jackson Memorial (15-5-1), which avenged a 4-3 loss to Southern Regional during the season.
Jackson Memorial reached the championship by knocking off top-seeded Middletown High School South, 4-1, Feb. 14. Swain and Cear scored and the Jablonski brothers, Joseph and Cody, wrapped up the victory with their third-period goals, as the Jaguars avenged a 7-2 loss.
Jackson Memorial played Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Feb. 20 in its NJSIAA Public B opener. Jackson Memorial won that game, 7-2, at Howell Ice World to advance to a game Feb. 24 at top-seeded Glen Rock High School. Pousson made 13 saves.
