The Harriton boys’ ice hockey team faced off against the Strath Haven Panthers on Friday, February 19, in an effort to save their season. Half a game behind Lower Merion in the standings, the Rams had to win in order to make the playoffs. Otherwise, this game would have marked the end of their season.

In a 10-3 landslide, they are now headed for playoffs on February 22.

The victory was significant as it marked the first time the Harriton hockey program has ever advanced to this stage, and it was made even sweeter by the fact that it eliminated Harriton’s rival, Lower Merion, from the playoffs. The game also proved costly for Strath Haven, who lost their own playoff spot as a result.

Desperate for the win, the Rams began strong, catching their opponent unprepared. Just 17 seconds into the game, Sam Kirby was able to score the Rams’ first goal. Despite penalty trouble, the Rams were able to keep up their intensity, and Nick Wert scored their second goal nine minutes into the first period.

Just seconds later, Skyler Thomas, in his first game since his recent injury, added to the tally. In addition, led by goalie Tomer Yaron, the Rams’ defense was able to shut out Strath Haven in the first period, which ended with the Rams leading 3-0.

The Rams’ momentum continued into the second period. Just minutes in, Wert scored another goal, this time shorthanded. Both teams continued to battle for a large portion of the period, but with no results. Strath Haven finally showed signs of life, scoring two goals near the end of the period.

Harriton, however, was able to fight back, and Thomas scored his second goal of the night with just seconds left in the period. At the end of the second period, the Rams led 5-2.

Despite their comfortable lead, the Rams did not hold back in the third period. Soon after it began, Thomas completed his hat-trick with a powerplay goal. Two minutes later, Joonas Knuutinen scored the Rams’ seventh goal.

Just seconds after that, Thomas scored for the fourth time that night. Although Strath Haven fought frantically to score during a slow section in the period, they were unsuccessful.

Harriton’s lead grew further when Andrew Rickels scored a powerplay goal, making Strath Haven pay for their penalties. The Panthers’ desperate play eventually paid off, as they scored a goal late in the period, but this would not be enough. As the period drew to a close, Wert was able to complete his hat-trick, bringing the final score to 10-3 in favor of the Rams.

The Rams’ first-ever playoff game will be on Monday, February 22, against Ridley.