There is no disputing the level of play that exists in the Gordon Conference, and Princeton Day School ice hockey has embraced the challenge. The Panthers play in the American Division with Delbarton, Don Bosco, Christian Brothers, St. Augustine and Bergen Catholic, and they have combined for 28 state titles. “Our kids look forward to playing all the top teams in the area, and understand that we can’t take shifts or periods off if we want to secure the results we’re looking for,’’ said PDS coach Scott Bertoli. “So for the most part, our seniors and captains have done a nice job having us ready to go every night.’’ Next on the agenda for the Panthers is St. Joe’s (Montvale) followed by Bergen Catholic and Christian Brothers. Considered by many to be the top team in the state, Don Bosco has gotten the best of Princeton Day twice already. “It’s definitely been a struggle in the two games against them, but we walked away from the game up there feeling good about the way we played the final 30 minutes,’’ Bertoli said. “Their depth and speed has challenged us and exposed some weaknesses that we need to address. But the second game also proved that we can play with them and generate chances to hang in there with them. So we look forward to getting another opportunity to play them down the road.’’ Senior Wyatt Ewanchyna leads the Panthers with 12 points on three goals and nine assists. Two juniors, Jake Harrison and Fred Ringblom, each have five goals. “The overall play and production of our top players has been impressive so far,’’ Bertoli said. “These guys all play a ton of minutes and play in every situation, and continue to produce in meaningful situations.’’ With a 3-2-1 mark heading into the new year, expect some more meaningful wins for the Panthers. Tough Opening for ND The schedule makers didn’t do the Irish any favors as they opened with Princeton, the Robbinsville tri-op, St. Peter’s Prep and Hopewell Valley, and before they knew it, the record was 0-4. “Our schedule to open the season is very competitive with Robbinsville, Hopewell, St Peter’s, Pope John,’’ said ND coach Mike McVey. “With the exception of the Pope John game, we were in a position to win all of those games. As always our goal is to be playing our best when the conference and state tournaments begin.’’ The Irish (3-5, 0-3 CVC) have now won three of the last four and are playing solid hockey. Junior Mike Kuzma leads with eight goals. Senior Gavin Frith and sophomore Mikey Cascella each have four goals. Frith, who has been a factor at Notre Dame since he was a freshman, has 45 career goals and 85 career points and is fast approaching the 100-point milestone. Notre Dame saw the snow cancel a showdown with Valley Division leader Paul VI. It will be played later in January. “Paul VI is always a great matchup for us,’’ McVey stated. “They are a very similar team so it comes down to which team plays a better game. This will be a great game for both teams going into the tournament.’’ It’ll be a tournament feel this week when ND meets Hun. “Hun is a very good team that we are excited to have on our schedule,’’ said McVey. “It’s a great local matchup for us and a chance to set the tone for the second half of the season.” A second half that’s better than the start. Lachance Turning Heads and Scoring Goals Jake Lachance had a solid season a year ago with the Robbinsville/Allentown Co-op with 11 goals. Well, the junior surpassed that number three games ago. Lachance has been precise around the cage with 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points. Playing on a line with senior captain Zach Duggan and freshman Henry Albu, he has grown into quite the skater and player. “We actually were expecting this from Jake Lachance,’’ said R/A/JM coach Dan Bergan. “His chemistry with Zach Duggan and Henry Albu is extraordinary. When we saw him at our voluntary Summer Camp this year, you could see he was playing at another level. The work on his finishing skills have paid off. The common denominator for last years’ big line and this years’ top line is Zach Duggan distributing the puck.” The numbers that line puts up are uncanny: Lachance 16/14-30, Duggan 10/19-29 and Albu 5/9-14. “Henry Albu is no surprise,’’ Bergan. “We saw him during some Spring League games and his speed, vision and hockey IQ blend nicely with our first line players. He is one of the top freshman I have seen this winter. He will become even more effective as the year wears on and he adjusts to the high school game.’’ The tri-op can score with the best on them, up and down the lines. Hun Ready To Get Back on the Ice It will have been just about three weeks since the Raiders played a game when it faced Notre Dame on Wednesday, and they are ready to work on that 1-6-1 start. “The key to turning things around is to first get healthy and then continuing on with the process,’’ said Hun coach Eric Szeker. “Showing up every day with the right attitude and mindset. We talk to our players about the journey to success and how it can be hard. There will be tough days, but if you stick with it and put the proper work in, the success will come.’’ Hun, which plays in the Atlantic Prep Athletic Conference, has a grueling schedule. It’s a young team and Szeker is looking to bring them along slowly if possible with the schedule. “We have three freshmen and two sophomores that play a lot, and the jump to our level with the schedule we play can be difficult, but they have all done really well and I am very proud of the group,’’ stated Szeker. “We will continue to focus on our team intensity and the ability to sustain it day in and day out. I am very  excited for the next part of our season.’’ Right now the Raiders are just happy to be back on the ice. Scoring Leaders – Goals 1.      Jake Lachance (R/A/JM) – 16 2.     Evan Jacob (HVM) – 12 3.     Gavin Nau (HVM) – 11 4.     Zach Dugan (R/A/JM) – 10 5.     Jack Riewe (HVM) – 9 CVC Rankings 1.      Hopewell Valley Co-op (8-2) 2.     Robbinsville Tri-op 7-3 3.     Notre Dame (3-5) 4.     Paul VI/Camden Catholic 4-5 5.     Princeton 1-5 6.     West Windsor-Plainsboro (3-2) 7.     Lawrence (1-2) 8.    Hamilton Tri-op 0-8