It was a busy week at the Middletown Sports Complex for our MTPS ice hockey programs, who on Tuesday evening received a fundraising assist from local rival Rumson-Fair Haven to generate more than $26,000 in donations for the local nonprofit organization Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer. Two days later the Lions and Eagles dropped the puck for their annual Mayor’s Cup game, which resulted in a 4-2 victory for High School North.

The fundraising effort was conducted in the name of Luca Iacono, an alumnus of Harmony Elementary School who passed away in 2019 from rhabdomyosarcoma. The goal was to raise $5,000, but support from the greater Middletown community and members of Shore Conference hockey community helped push the final total well beyond what could have been expected.

Prior to the game, which ended in 2-2 tie for the Eagles, the teams honored several MTPS students who have recently received, or are currently receiving, treatment for cancer diagnoses. These students were named Infinite Love MVPs, and invited to participate in a ceremonial puck drop.

The Lions Mayor’s Cup victory was spearheaded by stellar performance in the crease by senior goaltender Luke Chrzan, who stopped 22 of 24 shots faced. High School North receive goals from Ryan Cook, Andrew Gross, Jimmy Mullarney and Jack Turner. The Eagles’ goal scorers were Lucas Campos and Justin Ferlanti.

Congratulations to the Lions on their Mayor’s Cup victory, and thank you to both programs for their collaborative effort to support those in need.