By pulling out an exciting 4-4 tie against the Red Bank Regional Bucs on Feb. 8, the Jackson Memorial ice hockey team secured its spot in the 2007 state ice hockey tournament. The Jaguars rose above and beyond expectations this year, by accomplishing such a task in their first year. They maintained a .500 winning percentage by the Feb. 12 deadline, which allowed them to qualify for the state tournament. Although it has been done before, it is rare for a team to qualify in its first year.

Last week's game against Red Bank went back and forth, as the lead changed several times. The Jaguars' goalie, Alex LeBron, played an incredible game, making many spectacular saves, including several in the final three minutes of the game to preserve the tie. LeBron saved 36 of the 40 shots he encountered from the Bucs. Alex Guimaraes led the offensive attack, scoring two goals and assisting on two others. He now leads the Jaguars in scoring with 10 goals and 10 assists on the season, for a total of 20 points. Andy Sindt supported the offense, as he scored the first goal of the game - his first goal of the year. He also added an assist for his first two-point game.