The Parkland High School ice hockey team scored two first-period goals and then played stout defense to defeat Northampton 3-2 last Friday night in Lehigh Valley Scholastic Ice Hockey League action at the Lehigh Valley Ice Rink.

Wyatt Landis opened the scoring with a goal just 3:03 into the game, and then Louis Inserra found the back of the net 10:19 later to give the Trojans an important multi-goal lead and some confidence moving forward. Josh Bower assisted on both goals.

“It’s crucial,” said senior defenseman Luke Yocum of scoring early and having a lead. “Not only does it give us more comfort room, it allows us to make more offensive plays because Northampton starts running around and making bad plays since they are down.”

It was a rematch from the season opener for both teams, played back on October 12. That contest was also a one-goal game, but went to the Kids 4-3. Having only won once in their last three games, Parkland was looking to get a winning streak going with only a handful of games left until postseason play.

“It really boosts our confidence because our first game of the season we lost to them so up until our last game against them we didn’t think that we could win against them,” Yocum said. “That win shows us that we can take it to any good team in the league.”

Following the Trojans first two goals, Northampton got on the scoreboard with their first tally with just 0:26 left in the opening period. Each team would then trade turns scoring in the second and third periods. Alex Doe had Parkland’s goal just 0:56 in to the second period on the power play when he was given a pass by Bower, who finished with three assists. The Trojans defense held firm in the end and goalie Colby Rosen finished with 16 saves on 18 shots.

“Well, as a team we all did our parts to make the defensive play,” said Yocum. “The defensive core had a great game, we only let up 18 shots which is huge because that allows our goalie to be playing great and comfortable.”

The Trojans followed that win with a loss to Southern Lehigh on Monday, 8-3.

With three games left in the regular season, Parkland (5-3-1) is in third place behind Central/Beca (9-2) and Northampton (6-4), while they’re just ahead of fourth-place Southern Lehigh (5-4-1).

The Trojans finish the season with games against Nazareth (Feb. 1), Emmaus (Feb. 19) and Easton (Feb. 22).

The Trojans look to finish the season strong and gain momentum into the playoffs.

“I am really looking forward toward playoffs, it’s always great energy and very high paced games with all good competition,” Yocum said.