MIDDLETOWN – Back in 2008, the National Hockey League staged its first outdoor game in Buffalo as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres played at the home of the NFL Bills in front of over 70,000 fans. Dubbed the Winter Classic, the annual event has become an NHL staple on New Year’s Day drawing huge crowds.
The Winter Classic concept has worked its way to Jersey Shore high school hockey. Thanks to Navesink Country Club and its outdoor rink, Rumson-Fair Haven got a chance to host a one-time outdoor game against rival Red Bank Catholic. With students from both schools lined up across the boards, the upper terrace of the clubhouse served as a perfect vantage point to see the action with a breathtaking view of the Navesink River and the backdrop of the lights across the way in Red Bank.
“Hockey always starts on the pond for most kids,” RFH hockey coach Bill Bredin said. “It was an awesome experience for all the kids. The river view is a million dollar view, but we had to focus on the hockey and the rink we were playing on.”
While the spectators had the gorgeous view, both teams had their backs to the river and played an entertaining game. Rumson-Fair Haven jumped out to a 3-1 lead at the end of one period and looked like they were in control with a 5-2 advantage. RBC battled back to within one goal on two occasions in the third period, before a Bulldogs empty net goal gave the “home team” a 7-5 win. Two big milestones were reached on the outdoor ice. Evan Hoey became the Caseys all-time leading scorer when he netted his third goal of the night. Following the RFH game, Hoey stood at 87 goals and 55 assists for 142 points. The Bulldogs Connor Deverin had two goals in the win and reached 100 career points in his high school career. Deverin grew up playing at Navesink, making the milestone on his other home ice made it even more special.
“I’ve been playing here my whole life,” Deverin said after the win. “I know what the bounces are like in the rink and all the conditions, so it wasn’t a big adjustment for me. It was a lot of fun, but most important was getting the win and now we have a chance to win the division.”
Both RBC and Rumson-Fair Haven return to their home ice at the Red Bank Armory, which provides a great venue for high school hockey, but for one night, Navesink Country Club gave a special memory to two hockey programs who had the chance to return to their roots and skate outside. There might not have been 70,000 fans in Middletown, but the RFH Winter Classic made its mark as one of the more unique and exciting events on the winter high school sports calendar.
