Shore ice hockey standouts from the opening week of the season
This winter, the Asbury Park Press is highlighting the top Shore Conference ice hockey performances each week.
More: Shore Conference boys basketball: St. Rose loses lead late, falls to Patrick School, 62-59
The opening week of the season was highlighted by several surprises as favorites were upset and new contenders emerged. Reigning state champ Middletown North fell to rival Middletown South in the opener, and have yet to win game as they open the season 0-2-1. One of those losses came to St. John Vianney, a team that has emerged as a favorite to win the league title after a 3-0 start. Ocean (3-0), Manalapan (2-0) and Toms River South-East (2-0) are all off to strong starts as they aim to contend with the Lancers.
Here are the individual standouts from the opening week of the season.
Jack Buonato, Manasquan
The senior spearheaded Manasquan's upset victory over Howell in the home opener, posting a hat trick while assisting on the team's three other goals in the 6-5 victory. Buonato did a bit of everything for a the Warriors as they bounced back from their season-opening loss to Manalapan.
Timothy Gorlenko, Middletown South
Gorlenko had the pivotal go-ahead goal in the Eagles' season-opening upset of Middletown North and added a goal and an assist in the 5-2 victory over Catholic (St. Rose co-op). The sophomore has delivered in big moments in the early part of the season for Midd South.
Matt Gresko, Howell
Howell suffered a disappointing defeat against Manasquan, but Gresko had two assists and a goal as the Rebels stayed competitive until the final seconds. He also had an assist in Howell's 2-1 season-opening victory over Old Bridge.
Nick Kasich, St. John Vianney
After a strong sophomore campaign last year, Kasich picked up right where he left off in the season opener with two goals against Gordon Conference foe St. Peter's Prep in a 4-1 victory. The junior has scored a goal in each of the Lancers' first three games this season.
Thomas Lena, Manalapan
Manalapan returns a deep and talented roster that's highlighted by their senior forwards, but it's the sophomore who's been the standout for the Braves in their first two games. Lena has five goals so far, highlighted by a four-goal performance against Freehold Borough.
Owen Mumm, Ocean
Mumm had a hat trick in Ocean's season-opening victory over Red Bank Regional and then added another goal and three assists in the Spartans' 4-3 victory over Lacey. The senior has clearly taken the next step after putting up 34 points last season.
Colton Stecchini, Freehold Township
The freshman forward has burst onto the scene as he's scored in each of the the Patriots' first three games, including a hat trick in the 10-4 victory over Roxbury. Stecchini already has six goals and three assists as Freehold Township has opened the season 2-1.
Jake Toye, Brick
Toye put up four goals in Brick's 9-2 victory over Toms River North in the season opener, demonstrating that the senior is ready to build on last year's 22-goal season. Toye added an assist in his team's 3-1 loss to St. John Vianney.
Brady Verdon, Toms River South-East
The stellar sophomore opened the season with a hat trick and three assists in the Toms River SE's 9-3 victory over Johnson. Verdon then added a goal and an assist as his team slipped past Marlboro in 2-0 victory.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore hockey standouts from the opening week of the season
