For the last three years, the scoring on the Verona-Glen Ridge Hockey team has come from a variety of players; some from its Verona High School side, so from its Glen Ridge High School players. VGR’s defense has come from a variety of players too. But more often than not, the final line of defense has been the same: goalie Matt Brehne. And for his consistent efforts to keep VGR’s opponents from scoring, the VHS senior is this week’s Verona Sports Boosters Senior Athlete of the Week.
The 2011-2012 season is Brehne’s fourth year with VGR, and his third as starting goalie. Livingston High School certainly knows what it’s like to go up against him. He stopped all 25 of Livingston’s shots on goal when VGR faced them in December, and blocked another 30 when that team came back for a rematch earlier this month.
Last season, Brehne was a standout in playoff games against Summit (stopping 21 of 22 shots) and Old Tappan, where he was credited with 25 saves. And when VGR played a nail-biter against Montclair in January 2011, Brehne kept the opponent scoreless with 16 saves. When not on the ice for VGR, Brehne suits up for the Montclair Blues, where he also plays goalie.
During the 2011-2012 school year, the Verona Sports Boosters will be recognizing a different senior athlete at Verona High School every week. The Boosters support male and female athletes in all VHS sports through a variety of fundraisers and recognition events.
