The Westford Academy Boys’ Ice Hockey team defeated North Andover High School in an intense and fast-paced game at Skate 3 Pavillion in Tyngsborough on Wednesday, Jan. 1, bring up their season record to 4-2-0.
Although WA gained possession in the initial puck drop, it was clear in the first couple of minutes that this would be a competitive game. The puck entered both teams’ sides of the rink equally, restricting one team from dominating on the ice.
A key part of the Ghosts’ strong gameplay in the first period was their ability to scout out the open player on the ice and make efficient passes. A standout play was when senior Peter Burns shot the puck to senior captain JJ Funaro around the goalpost, who later assisted it to several other teammates and almost made a goal, but was blocked by North Andover’s goalie.
During the beginning of the second period, the plays were largely uneventful. Their strategy coming into this period was to use as many defensive tactics against North Andover as they could to disable them from making offensive moves that could put them in the lead.
Things took an unexpected turn when senior Jack Donovan made an impressive goal with only 2 minutes left on the clock. The audience was enthralled with the play, quickly standing up and screaming words of encouragement to the player.
Shortly afterward, North Andover gained a point by an assist, ending the second period with a score of 1-1.
In the third period, it was evident that both teams had saved their very best for last when they charged the ice with much more competitiveness than they had in the previous two periods. So much so that one of North Andover’s defensive players had to be taken off the ice after being slammed into the wall.
The third period was full of offensive plays, but neither team could pull through. Because of the steady tie, the game went into a 5 minute overtime period. With the same energy they used in the third period, WA and North Andover ferociously chased the puck around the rink to gain possession, while simultaneously subbing in large numbers of players at a time. It seemed as if the teams would have to compete in a final stage shootout with penalty shots, but with 12.5 seconds left in overtime, Donovan made his second goal of the game, ending the match with a victory of 2-1 for the Ghosts.
After the game, Coach Scott Brown discussed his goals going forward for their games ahead.
“The goal is just to keep scoring goals. This was a tough game but with practice we’ll be able to score as many points as we can, no matter the competition,” Brown said.
WA will have their next game against Lincoln-Sudbury on Jan. 4 at Skate 3 Pavillion at 3:10 p.m.
