Bears Mite hockey team enjoys solid season

When the West Milford Bears Mite ice hockey team took the ice back in August, no one knew what to expect from a group of 5- to 8-year-olds playing together for the first time. As January came to a close, it is apparent that this group has come together both on and off the ice. The team has shown improvement every week, even venturing out on the road to take on teams from Bridgewater and Jersey City. Last week the Bears hit the road again to face off against the Jr. Devils at South Mountain Arena. Both sides played a spirited, back and forth game that featured great scoring chances, tough defense and solid goaltending. Even though they came up on the short end of a 5-3 score, the Bears played their best game of the season and are looking forward to the coming weeks. The match-ups include the Ice Vault Bandits, Bridgewater Polar Bears, Jersey City Capitals, Ramsey, Wayne, Montclair Jr. Mounties, and Ice House Avalanche. The Bears will conclude their season with the battle of Route 10 Tournament at Aspen Ice in Randolph. The Bears Mites are: Justin Chalupt, Alex Crevina, Dylan Dinzik, Matthew Hall, Eric Hanson, Niklas Latronica, Jonathan Lavis, Brandon Little, Kyle Little, Colin Myles, Matthew Ploenes, Evan Prestera, Paul Roth, Christopher Shaw and Nicholas Welch.