Walpole, MA – The Walpole Rebels and Milton Wildcats squared off today at Rodman Arena in Walpole. We caught today’s action via our new sponsor, LiveBarn. After a brief couple of shifts where they felt out their opponent, the Rebels went on the attack and applied pressure in the Wildcats’ zone. Walpole broke the seal four minutes into the first when Declan Hunter wheeled into the zone and went high glove to put them on the board. Milton had a few opportunities to get the equalizer. They had a pair of power plays halfway through the first half, but could not stuff one home. Walpole had a couple of shorthanded opportunities but did not capitalize on those either. The Rebels got in some more penalty trouble later in the first half and Milton strung together a couple of decent chances on the man advantage. Walpole eventually took another penalty which would create a 5-on-3 situation late in the first half. Milton would not capitalize on the 2-man advantage, but they would start the second half up by a man. The first half would conclude with a 1-0 lead for the Rebels.
The second half would start in favor of Walpole. At 21:50 of the second half, Kevin McElaney made a great read on the man down and snuck behind the Milton defensemen who collapsed into the zone. He was fed by Griffin Curran who saw him wide open. McElaney capitalized giving the Rebels a 2-0 lead early in the second. Milton had its chances to cut the lead down to one but they weren’t able to stuff one home. They had a couple of chances off of the rush, but could not get anything going. Walpole would get another insurance goal with 12 minutes remaining. Defenseman Jack Walsh started the rush behind his net where he wheeled up ice weaving through a couple defenders to enter the zone. He cut to the slot and left a drop pass for Eddie Jackson who put it upstairs and scored his first varsity goal in the process. Walpole would ride that lead out to the finish. They had a couple of power plays late in the frame, but ultimately for not. The final score at Rodman would be 3-0 in favor of Walpole.
Three Stars
- F Kevin McElaney (Walpole)
- F Declan Hunter (Walpole)
- F Eddie Jackson (Walpole)
NZ’s Takes
- Forwards Kevin McElaney and Declan Hunter have improved since the last time we saw them in the South final. They are both factors when they are on the ice. The Rebels will rely heavily upon them up front this year. They both got on the score sheet with a goal today and they will both likely be making some noise this year.
- Defenseman Colin Birch has matured too. He looks confident with the puck and will take the ice he is given. He will jump up in the play and can help with the Rebels’ offensive attack more than he did last year.
- Forward Griffin Curran is playing a bigger role for the Rebels this year. He has quick feet and will hound an opponent to cause turnovers. He saw the ice well: making some nice dishes throughout the game. He will be an underclassman to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
