Crimson Knights Knocked Off In First Playoff Round

Wall High School lost, 5-2, to Red Bank Catholic on Friday in the first round of the Handchen Cup playoffs.

The Crimson Knights' two third period goals were scored by Tom Panico and Devin McCarthy. McCarthy’s shot found the back of the net with only seconds remaining in the game.

Caseys forwards Trevor Grossman, Bryan Gaburo, and Sean Branagan dominated Red Bank Catholic’s first round matchup against Wall on Thursday afternoon, moving the puck and applying constant pressure.

Grossman scored two goals and added an assist. Bryan Gaburo added a second-period goal. Branagan helped lead the strong offensive effort.

From the start, Wall seemed determine to play physical. While they were able to connect on some big hits along the boards, the effective Caseys' puck movement prevailed.

Grossman scored the game’s first goal with 2:23 left in the first period at the Armory in Red Bank. The Caseys outshot the Crimson Knights, 10-3, in the period, an indication of the kind of offensive pressure the team would continue to apply.

Off an assist from Grossman, Gaburo scored RBC's  second goal 25 seconds into the second period. It took 15 seconds more for Grossman to give the Caseys their third goal.

Jack Donleavy and Mike Stickle also added goals for the Caseys.Red Bank Catholic advances to the second round of the Handchen Cup where it  faces the winner of today’s game between third-seed Toms River South and sixth-seed Brick Memorial.

The game will be played at 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Armory.