For the first time since 2020, top-seeded Randolph, No. 6 in the NJ.com Top 20, will appear in a sectional final after defeating fourth-seeded and No. 20 Ridgewood 5-3 in the North, Public semifinals at SportsCare Arena in Randolph. Daniel Sharkey led the way with two goals, including the go-ahead score with 46 seconds remaining to keep his team unbeaten.
Randolph (22-0-1) had its limits tested early after falling behind 2-0 in the first period. However, it answered with back-to-back power-play goals in the second from Andrew George and Sharkey before Keegan Melly put it ahead in the third.
Ridgewood would not go down without a fight though as Finn Doherty tied the game, but Randolph once again responded with a pair of goals.
John Krynicki finished with 13 saves on 16 shots for Randolph while Jase Zangara added the insurance goal six seconds after Sharkey’s.
Jack Scali made 43 saves on 48 shots for Ridgewood (14-6-1) while AJ LoSauro had two assists.
Randolph will face second-seeded Northern Highlands in the finals on Thursday at Mennen Arena in Morristown at 4:30 p.m.
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Craig Epstein may be reached at cepstein@njadvancemedia.com.