Westford Academy Boys’ Hockey improved their record to 13-2-1 after beating Andover 2-0 at home on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
From the opening face off, WA began the game with a starting lineup consisting of senior Tyler Frazee, junior JJ Funaro, senior Tommy Rose, junior Nick Burns, junior Jack Donovan, and junior Ryan Nelken.
WA’s offense came out firing right away in the first period with multiple shot attempts from Rose and senior Matt Mulhern. Senior Jack Nelken tried to continue the offensive pressure with a steal and an offensive rush, but they could not get anything past the Andover goalie.
WA held Andover with their strong defense and many great saves from Frazee throughout the first period, and the opening frame ended tied 0-0.
“We knew it would be a huge game so the boys were ready to play. We have not won the MVC/DCL championship since 2008 so everyone was focused on getting it done,” head coach Chris Carpenter said. “It is a very tough league and the only joint league in the school. The guys knew what they needed to do to win.”
WA’s defense in the second period was the strongest it was all game. Frazee continued to be a brick wall and junior Ethan Koehr pulled through with some great defensive plays to hold Andover scoreless. Senior Will Tarbox ended the period with a shot attempt, but the second period ended with still no score.
“I think our biggest strength is never letting up,” Frazee said. “Whether we are winning or losing, no one stops until the final buzzer.”
WA stepped up in the third period on the offensive side with Nelken scoring about three minutes in, putting WA in the lead 1-0. More strong defensive plays from Mulhern and junior David Burke, and a clutch save from Frazee with ten minutes remaining in the game kept WA in front by one goal.
“We just have to maintain composure, keep our heads down and just work, “Mulhern said. “Every game is important, but as we head into the postseason games we are going to be more intense and we cannot let that impact our game.”
Nelken came through with another offensive rush leading to a shot on goal from Burns, but he came up short. Soon after however, Burns had another shot and came through this time with three minutes left, extending the Ghosts’ lead to 2-0.
With the win, WA is getting closer to making the MIAA State Tournament, and the coaches and players have made it clear on what they have to do to get there.
“Not taking penalties, going 100% every shift, and playing physically to win loose puck battles. We have a great squad this year and have been improving every day,” Carpenter said. “I think we still have our best hockey ahead of us which is exciting.”
WA’s next game is on Saturday, Feb. 17 against Waltham for senior night. The game will be played at Skate 3 Pavillion at 5:10 p.m.
