The Westford Academy hockey team had a tough task for their senior night. Their opponent was Massachusetts hockey perennial power Xaverian high school. Xaverian just last year earned a spot in the prestigious Super 8 tournament. Xaverian came into this game against Westford ranked 17 in the state by ESPN Boston. The Grey Ghosts of Westford Academy would end up losing this game 9-2, but the scoreboard does not justly tell the story of this game.

Xaverian was a much more physically imposing team with a strong forecheck, however Westford would not back down, matching them hit for hit and building off the energy from senior night. Xaverian struck first with a transition goal three and a half minutes into the game. The Ghosts answered on a power play as junior Captain Matt Ricci scored on a slapshot from the right wing which was assisted by senior Captain Tom Egan and junior Eric McLaughlin.

With three and a half remaining in the first period Xaverian scored again on a rebound. Westford did not back down. Two minutes later on another power play senior Mike Mulligan found the back of the net on a rebound from senior Captain Alex Flannagan’s shot. Shortly after, the first period expired and the Grey Ghosts found themselves tied at 2-2 with a top 25 team in the state after 15 minutes of play.

In the second period Xaverian tightened focus. Xaverian dominated in time of possession, won the faceoff battle by a wide margin of ten to four, and seemed to spend nearly the entire period in the offensive zone. The Ghosts were on defense for almost the entirety of the period and senior Goalie Brian Warner was battered with shots, but Westford managed to hold Xaverian scoreless in the until a power play goal with 2 minutes remaining in the second period.

Xaverian came out of the locker room ready for a new level of play in the third period. The experienced team erupted for 6 more goals including 4 in a span of four minutes and ten seconds. The final score was in the books at 9-2.

Looking back on their careers this senior night, Egan reflected on the amount of respect he had for the fellow seniors on the team.

“Our senior class is a good group of guys that day in and day out strives to improve,” said Egan, “We have all played together forever and it’s been a pleasure playing with them this season.”

Flanagan agreed citing how close the Senior class has become.

“…it was an honor to be the captain of a group like that,” said Flanagan, “you don’t come across a group of guys who come to work the way the do everyday. We’re a family.”