Watch Sasha Abolenskiy’s ESPN Top 10 play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2v-_Yc5Ycw

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School ice hockey team received a special shoutout on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 Countdown, featuring junior Sasha Abolenskiy’s goal from a February 6 game against Hillsborough Highschool at Rock Ice Arena in Dunellen.

Following Friday’s 6-3 win against Hillsborough, the news broke that Abolenskiy’s breakaway goal with an assist from sophomore goalie Justin Madison, would be aired on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 countdown, placing at number 5. 

The goal was a beautiful play by Madison, passing the puck up the boards to Abolenskiy around center ice, where he tripped up Hillsborough’s goalie to result in an extremely impressive goal.

Abolenskiy shared the rare, surreal moment. 

“It was an unreal feeling to be featured on ESPN. I grew up watching those plays, and getting to represent Bridgewater-Raritan on a national stage made it even more special,” he said.

Bridgewater-Raritan Coach Vincent Arnone was thrilled about Abolenskiy’s ESPN shoutout. 

“Having a player reach the Top 10 on SportsCenter is a very special thing. It brings great recognition to New Jersey high school hockey, great recognition to our program, and incredible recognition to Sasha as a player. It brought great pride to our team and our community,” Coach Arnone said.

Abolenskiy has had an incredible season with the 14-3-1 Panthers, being a key goal scorer and contributor to their success this season.

Abolenskiy has put up 25 goals and 16 assists this season, really making an indent on the scoring side of the puck for the team. Abonlenskiy remains the Panthers’ top goal scorer and hopes to continue putting up points as playoffs start approaching, with the Skyland Conference Tournament beginning next week.  

Bridgewater-Raritan’s Senior Night is Friday, February 13,at 3:30 p.m.at Rock Ice Arena.