Eight Skaters, Seven Goals, and Plenty of Heart: Avon Grove JV Battles Henderson to 7–7 Tie

Red Devils demonstrate tremendous resilience in high-scoring battle at PNY Sports Arena

The Avon Grove JV Red Devils showed tremendous heart, determination, and offensive firepower Friday night, November 6, as they battled WC Henderson-Rustin JV to an exciting 7–7 tie at PNY Sports Arena. Facing an especially challenging situation with only eight skaters available, the Red Devils dug deep and put together an impressive performance against a larger Henderson-Rustin squad.

Despite having very limited opportunities for rest and line changes, Avon Grove continued to generate scoring chances throughout the game, finishing with 35 shots on goal compared to Henderson-Rustin’s 22. The Red Devils battled through three periods, overcame multiple deficits, and appeared poised to secure a hard-fought victory before Henderson found the equalizer in the final minute.

Second Period: Avon Grove Answers the Challenge

After a scoreless opening period, the game quickly picked up in the second. Henderson-Rustin struck twice in the opening minute, taking a 2–0 lead and putting Avon Grove in an early hole.

The Red Devils responded in impressive fashion. At 12:47, Elwyn Craig (#65) got Avon Grove on the scoreboard. Just 13 seconds later, Gavin Domski (#88) found the back of the net, with assists from Ian Card (#21) and Charles Morgan (#8), tying the game at 2–2.

Craig continued his offensive production at the 11:00 mark, scoring his second goal of the period to give Avon Grove a 3–2 advantage.

Henderson-Rustin answered with three more goals during the period, taking a 5–3 lead into the final intermission. Despite the two-goal deficit, the Red Devils remained within striking distance and were ready to make another push.

Third Period: Red Devils Battle Back

The third period brought even more excitement as both teams continued to trade goals.

Henderson-Rustin extended its lead with two early goals, making it 7–3 and giving Avon Grove a significant challenge with the clock winding down.

But the Red Devils weren’t finished.

At 8:01, Gavin Domski (#88) scored his second goal of the evening, with Joseph Regester (#5) recording the assist. Just over a minute later, at 6:56, Elwyn Craig (#65) completed his hat trick, with Cooper Fox (#14) earning the assist. Suddenly, Avon Grove had cut the deficit to 7–5.

The momentum continued to shift. At 6:19, Ian Card (#21) found the back of the net, assisted by Shaun Snyder (#12), bringing the Red Devils within one goal at 7–6.

With just 1:25 remaining, Avon Grove capitalized on a power-play opportunity. Card scored his second goal of the period, with assists from Brianna Regester (#1) and Joseph Regester (#5). The goal tied the game at 7–7?

With the Red Devils continuing to press, Henderson-Rustin found one more opportunity. At just 39 seconds remaining, Nathan Leinweber scored for Henderson-Rustin, bringing the game to its final 7–7 tie.

Although Avon Grove had briefly taken the lead, Henderson’s late equalizer ensured the teams would share the points.

A Tremendous Team Effort

One of the most impressive aspects of Friday night’s performance was the circumstances under which the Red Devils competed. With only eight skaters available, Avon Grove had very little opportunity to rest, making the physical demands of a full 45-minute game especially challenging.

Matthew Lee (#78) handled all 45 minutes in goal for Avon Grove, facing 22 shots from the Henderson-Rustin offense.

The Red Devils generated 35 shots of their own, demonstrating their ability to maintain offensive pressure despite the limited bench.

While the final 7–7 score may have felt bittersweet after taking a late lead, the effort displayed by this group deserves recognition. The team refused to give up after falling behind by four goals in the third period and continued fighting until the final seconds.

Seven goals, 35 shots, a hat trick, and a late power-play lead were all part of an impressive night for the Red Devils.

Congratulations to Avon Grove JV on a tremendous team effort! Eight skaters, three periods, and plenty of heart. This is the kind of determination and teamwork that makes a team special. Go Red Devils!