Framingham, MA – St. John’s Prep got timely goaltending, while capitalizing on a power play and turnover to outlast Xaverian 2-1 in the first night of Super 8 action at Loring Arena. Both teams brought a heavy game, which played into Prep’s strength with their grind-it-out style of play. Xaverian junior goaltender Kyle Harvey stole the show on this night and was easily the first star even in a loss. Harvey was under siege and still gave the Hawks a chance to stay within striking distance. They could have easily been down three or four goals and although neither team found the back of the net through the first, Prep had the better of the opportunities.
Prep pushed the pace in the second and carried the play throughout the middle stanza. The Eagles benefited from another power play at the seven-minute mark and took no time to finally solve Harvey. Junior defenseman Jack Gilligan blasted a shot from the point through several bodies which finally beat the Xaverian goalie for a 1-0 lead. Xaverian got a late power play but failed to muster any really good chances. The third opened with more of the same as Prep controlled all three zones and benefited from a turnover in the neutral zone for a two-goal cushion. The quick transition from senior Ryan Hart allowed quick entry and a slick pass to space for senior Ryan Webb, who threaded a perfect shot off the far post and in to beat Harvey. Xaverian had a great chance after the Prep goal when senior forward Matty Ryan rang the post off a turnover. The Hawks finally solved senior goaltender Noah Dorsey-Sorofman with less than two minutes to play and their goalie pulled for an extra skater. Sophomore defenseman Nolan Dion picked up a loose puck, gained the zone and left it for senior Ryan Pomposelli who made no mistake by beating Dorsey-Sorofman over his right shoulder to make it 2-1. Pomposelli was battling an illness all game and was definitely not 100%, but came up big when it mattered. Xaverian created a few more chances, but Prep held on for the win. Final: St John’s Prep 2, Xaverian 1.
Three Stars:
- G Kyle Harvey, Xaverian
- G Noah Dorsey Sorofman, St. John’s Prep
- D Jack Gilligan, St. John’s Prep
TTPA F Ryan Pomposelli, Xaverian
Game 2: BC High vs Burlington
Framingham, MA – Burlington and BC High faced off in the nightcap from Loring and it was more of the same from Game 1 with goaltending being the difference. This time it was Burlington’s junior goalie Joe Trabucco making double-digit quality saves in the first period. The Eagles controlled play, especially tight around the net, but couldn’t solve Trabucco. BC High flexed a little more in the middle frame using quick transition and speed to keep the Red Devils on their heels. Junior Brian Bulger was a going concern all night with exceptional speed and athleticism. Bulger’s quick first step allowed separation and produced a great chance on the breakaway, but ultimately drew a penalty and was awarded a penalty shot. Trabucco held his ground and flashed his right leg to shut the door and keep it scoreless. The Eagles smelled blood, but still didn’t find the back of the net.
Trabucco’s luck ran out in the third as BC High exploded for three goals in the first 7:41. Bulger pounced on a bouncing puck that escaped the Burlington defense, leaving him alone and he made no mistake this time, swatting the puck between Trabucco’s legs. The Eagles turned up the pressure and pushed on transition any chance they were given, including a nice chip behind the Red Devil defense that sprung junior Declan Joyce. Joyce, in stride down his off-wing, wired a shot perfectly under the bar for a 2-0 cushion. Just 37 seconds later, junior Colin Norton, who looked like he was shot out of a cannon, found clear daylight and made a nice deke on a breakaway to beat Trabucco and provide the Eagles some breathing room. Burlington created a few chances during the second half of the final frame, but freshmen goaltender Tom Kiesewetter shut the door for the shutout. Final: BC High 3, Burlington HS 0
Three Stars:
- F Brian Bulger, BC High
- G Joe Trabucco, Burlington
- F Declan Joyce, BC High
TTPA F Matt Keohane, BC High
