Marlboro, MA – Senior captain Matt Keohane (Quincy, MA) scored the game-winner with 24 seconds left in regulation to give BC High the road win in their season opener over St. John’s Shrewsbury, 3-1, at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro.
Showing off his quickness all game, Keohane got behind the St. John’s defense and rifled a shot, short side under the bar, surprising Pioneer goaltender Ryan Dailida (Shrewsbury, MA). Aidan Carey (Braintree, MA) tallied an insurance goal just 10 seconds later, finishing off a 2-on-1 with Keohane. Two goals in 10 seconds spoiled a great performance by Dailida, who kept St. John’s within striking distance through the first two periods, allowing them to tie the game early in the third, 1-1.
Coming off a 5-1 victory over Mount St. Charles on Saturday, the Pioneers struggled to find their legs through the first 30 minutes of play. Though play was loose for both teams early, BC High shook off the two-hour commute, arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled faceoff. Junior Declan Joyce (Hanover, MA) drew first blood late in the first, tipping home a Josh Milso (Bridgewater, MA) shot from the point, sending the Eagles into the intermission up 1-0. Both teams showed some rust during the middle stanza, failing to sustain extended offensive zone time. Eagles goaltender Andrew Webb (Hingham, MA) was impressive all game, turning back Pioneer senior captain Matthew Myers (Worcester, MA) on a clean breakaway to preserve the one goal lead after two periods.
St. John’s wasted no time in the third when senior Hunter DiGregorio (Shrewsbury, MA) capitalized on a BC High turnover in the slot, beating Webb glove side for the equalizer. The Pioneers gained momentum throughout most of the third, creating several scoring chances, but Webb and a strong defense led by Michael Dragon (Milton, MA), John Logan (Hanover, MA) and Milso answered the bell. With overtime in sight, Keohane broke free and sent the BC High faithful home with a win.
Final: BC High 3 St. John’s Shrewsbury 1
Three Stars
1. F Matt Keohane (goal, assist), BC High
2. D Michael Dragon (assist), BC High
3. G Andrew Webb, BC High
NZ Notes
The BC High Eagles lost some firepower from last year to prep school, but maintain their veteran leadership with Keohane, Carey, Logan and Dragon who should provide plenty of wins for head coach John Flaherty. Keohane and Dragon were two players that made an impact all game. Keohane showed great speed and strength with and without the puck, especially on the game-winner with a quick and accurate shot. Dragon anchored the blue line playing a steady game. A long reach and quick stick makes it tough for any player to get a step and beat him wide. Showed good closing speed transitioning from offense to defense, while displaying good offensive instincts during the rush. He played a solid game at both ends. Logan played a physical and heavy game. Played a 2-on-1 to perfection and rarely lost 1-on-1 battles. The Eagles have a few young forwards, but sophomore Max DaSilva (Hanover, MA) showed explosiveness, skill and hockey sense in the offensive zone. He didn’t shy away from contact to make a play.
The St. John’s Pioneers started slow, but found their legs in the third. Myers was their best forward in all three periods. Showed explosive skating ability, pushing the BC High defense back into their zone. He created scoring opportunities for teammates by opening up space and attacking the defense. Showed separation on breakaway, but Webb shut the door as he did all game. Freshmen defenseman Will Brophy (Worcester, MA) played some meaningful minutes for head coach Michael Mead. Brophy has good size at 6’3”, and will fill out over time. He is still raw, but handled himself well in his own zone using long reach and he showed poise as well. He has good vision and gets the puck up to his forwards quick to start transition and create scoring opportunities. His progression will be worth watching this season.
