Barnes, Serpe Star as Rams Nab Two Wins

CARMEL—In their two games this week the Carmel High hockey team only had two players score, but it was more than enough. The Rams picked up two wins against non-conference opponents O'Neill and Greeley, outscoring them 7-1. With the wins the Rams now have a record of 9-6.

Sophomore Jackie Barnes, posted back to back two goal games beginning with Friday's 3-0 victory of Greeley. Junior Josh Serpe added a goal against Greeley, and had his own two goal game in Saturday's 4-1 win against O'Neill.

On Saturday the Rams limited O'Neill to a first period power play goal on their way to a 4-1 win.

Barnes opened the scoring ten minutes into the first. Assisted by freshman Kevin Murphy, Barnes fired a perfectly placed shot into the top corner for the 1-0 lead.

One minute after Barnes had put the Rams ahead, O'Neill responded with a power play goal when the Rams forwards were caught up ice.

With the game knotted at one Serpe used his speed and size to drive to the net to give the Rams an early second period power play. A minute later Serpe took a pass from Barnes and fired a shot from the slot to regain the lead. Senior Tom Jezik was also credited with an assist.

“He's just so strong when he gets around the corner,” Domicoli said of Serpe. “A lot of times he hasn't been able to finish, but he's changed that.”

Senior Marc Glaviano finished with 22 saves, including several on an O'Neill power play opportunity with the Rams holding onto a one goal lead.

“It stopped the comeback before it could start. We out played them in the first and second, I'm just glad they didn't score a goal to make it,” said coach Tom Domicoli. “We didn't want them to gain any momentum.”

Serpe added his second goal of the game early in the third on an assist from freshman James Salleberry. Sixteen seconds after Serpe's goal, Barnes scored his second, when a seemingly harmless puck bounced over the goalies stick and into the net giving the Rams a 4-1 lead.

“I don't know what is lately, the last few nights we haven't had a lucky roll,” said Domicoli. “Then we got that lucky roll on that fourth goal, so hopefully we'll get a little luck going our way.”

On Friday the Rams beat a struggling Greeley team 3-0, and used the game as on opportunity to get some kids who don't normally play some more ice time.

“It was a good game, we got a lot of guys out that don't normally get a lot of shifts, they got a lot play,” said Domicoli. “They're struggling a little bit, they've got a lot of young guys, they've lost a lot people. It was something were happy to see, got some guys some ice time.”

Among those youngsters getting some time was freshman Gray Barnes who made the start in goal and had six saves. Sophomore Anthony Fagan finished the game in net and had three saves of his own. Jackie Barnes scored twice and assisted on Serpe's goal to provide all the Rams scoring, despite 52 shots on goal.

“Their goalie was just unbelievable, we had 52 shots on goal,” said Domicoli. “We played very well, but we couldn't finish, hopefully that's gonna change.”

The Rams next game is Friday January 29 at 5:20 against conference opponent Ossining High. The game will be played at the Brewster Ice Arena.