Brick hockey team wins Shore Conference title in overtime thriller

Brody Acropolis scores game-winning goal to cap Brick's comeback victory over Howell

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a thrilling overtime finish, the Brick hockey team defeated Howell 4-3 to win the Shore Conference title in the Handchen Cup final. Trailing 3-1 in the second period, Brick scored two quick goals to tie the game and then Brody Acropolis netted the game-winner in overtime to complete the comeback and give Brick its first conference championship in two years.

Why it matters

Brick's hockey program has a storied history, but had fallen on hard times in recent years. This championship marks a renaissance for the team, as they overcame a deficit and multiple overtime games to reclaim the Shore Conference title, setting the stage for a potential state title run.

The details

Brick trailed Howell 1-0 after the first period, but scored three goals in a span of just over a minute in the second period to take a 3-1 lead. Howell battled back to tie the game at 3-3 late in the third period, sending the final to overtime. In the extra session, a loose puck found its way to Brody Acropolis, who fired home the game-winning goal to give Brick the championship.

  • Brick trailed Howell 1-0 through most of the second period.
  • Brick scored three goals in just over a minute to take a 3-1 lead in the second period.
  • Howell tied the game at 3-3 with 8:22 left in the third period.
  • The game went to overtime, where Brody Acropolis scored the game-winning goal for Brick.

The players

Brody Acropolis

A senior on the Brick hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give Brick the Shore Conference title.

James Murphy

The head coach of the Brick hockey team, who has helped lead the program's renaissance this season.

Matt Morris

A junior on the Brick hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal to help Brick advance to the final.

Matt Cartigiano

A player for the Howell hockey team who scored the first goal of the game to give Howell an early 1-0 lead.

Hayden Nubile

A player for the Howell hockey team who scored the game-tying goal in the third period to send the final to overtime.

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What they’re saying

“It's just all about culture. And we're trying to build something here, and something that's gonna last far beyond when we graduate. And I think that's what we've done out here. I'm really proud to be apart of it.”

— Brody Acropolis, Senior, Brick hockey team (app.com)

“They're gamers. They are gamers, all of them. We had three quick goals in the second period. There was so much time left and we knew that wasn't going to be enough. It was an easy group to reel back in because they know it takes more than that. They know it's going to take more than that moving forward in the state tournament too, so they'll be ready.”

— James Murphy, Head Coach, Brick hockey team (app.com)

What’s next

Brick will look to carry the momentum from their Shore Conference title win into the upcoming state playoffs, where they will try to capture their first state championship as a co-op program.

The takeaway

Brick's hockey team has undergone a remarkable renaissance this season, overcoming deficits and winning multiple overtime games to reclaim the Shore Conference title. This championship marks the culmination of the program's hard work and resilience, and sets the stage for a potential state title run.