Feb. 23, 2023-- It's been a busy week for Toms River South-East hockey, popularly known as SEAST.

To begin this past weekend, the co-op composed of hockey players from High School South and High School East won the preliminary round of the Public C bracket of the state tournament with a 2-0 shutout win over Mount Olive-Hopatcong-Hackettstown. Tuesday night, SEAST won its first-round matchup against Kinnelon, 3-0.

As the team awaits its state quarterfinal game against Gov. Livingston-New Providence Feb. 27, it had the opportunity to do something really special.

SEAST teamed up, literally, with Central Regional to face off against the Brick Stars, a challenger program for "players with a wide range of developmental abilities and a passion for hockey." The game took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, the home ice of the New Jersey Devils.

For many, it was the first opportunity to play on NHL ice, which made the experience all the more rewarding.

Up 13-6 early in the third period, the Stars were dominating, and looked to be skating to a resounding victory. But SEAST-CRHS roared back, forcing overtime and a shootout. The Stars would, however, prevail 25-24 in a game worthy of its setting.

Still, the final score was but a footnote in what was a truly memorable experience for all involved.

Photos of the game are courtesy of High School East's Allison Goodwin.

Best of luck to South-East hockey in their state quarterfinal game Monday.