Tilton and Exeter Played a Draw

Tilton, NH-The Tilton Rams hosted Exeter Academy in an all New Hampshire showdown. The teams went back and forth only to end in a 4-4 tie after 59 minutes of hockey. Tilton outshot Exeter 42-29 but as well all know SOG are the most overrated stat in sports.

Star Ratings and player profiles are updated

We missed most of the first period and it was 1-1 when we arrived from the New Hampton/KUA game. Tilton took the lead first on a Jack Seymour goal 3:22 in from Mike Tersoni and Jamie Cates. Exeter responded under three minutes later as Tommy Gannon scored unassisted.

The second period Tilton looked ready to go as they came out with lots of speed and created chances in transition. Right away Max Pineo scored an open netter courtesy of a perfect pass in a 2 on 1 by linemate Jon Tavella. Max Cocchi also picked up an assist. Pineo, Tavella and Cocchi formed Tilton’s most dangerous line and were flying all period. Exeter answered, short-handed when late 2003 Charlie McGurrin took a high flip pass from Justin Fedele and finished at the other end with a nice stick fake and shot in the corner. With 3:11 left, Cocchi buried on another Tilton 2 on 1 on a perfect pass by Tavella. Pineo picked up an assist as well. Tilton controlled play and dictated pace. The Rams took a 3-2 lead into the third.

In the third, Exeter struck first just 3:16 in as they found more energy and pace. Tom Chmielewski parked at the net front and hammered home a power play goal off a rebound Jack Simon created. Danny Colon struck soon after; Simon flicked a puck cleverly to the net and Colon gathered and fired it home. Michael Young also picked up an assist. All of a sudden it was 4-3 Exeter. Both teams had chances and the speed of the game was excellent. Finally, Cocchi tied the game with a turnaround wrister with an assist to Tae Lee. Mike Tersoni hit a post but that was as close to a win either team would get.

Overtime was underwhelming as each team had decent chances but nothing of note.

Three Stars

First: Max Cocchi (Tilton)

Second: Jack Simon (Exeter)

Third: Max Pineo (Tilton )

TTPA: Brett Lockhart (Tilton)

NZ Notes: For Exeter; ate 2003 Charlie McGurrrin caught our eyes. Late 2003 is 6’3” and showed a little wiggle with possession. PG Luke Mix was steady on the blue line, good size and a nice fit for a DIII school Smart and disciplined. PG Jack Simon should have had an assist on Exeter’s fourth goal He took over at times and can skate or pass the puck up ice. He has really improved and it felt like he played the whole game. Top 4 NESCAC type. Reese Ramirez was decent, he is another solid player who can help a NESCAC school. We liked hid game. Heavy and aggressive. Smart and strong. 2004 Kurt Gurkan is really fast and has soft hands. He is still light but has lots of upside. Year away from really showing his stuff. 2002 Michael Young has decent size and played all 200 feet, good on the dot. For Tilton; they were wearing pink trimmed sweaters to raise money for cancer research. Loved the American flag and the socks matched the pink in the shirts. Anyway, the Pineo, Tavella, Cocchi line made Exeter and us dizzy at times. They play fast and are really skilled. They are all undersized but really productive and create something every shift. They would make a great pick-pocket gang as they created lots of turnovers. We liked Tavella’s transition game. We liked Pineo’s vision (played point on the PP) and we liked that Cocchi was on pucks and went to the net front. Very good group. Mike Tersoni showed great speed, drew a penalty and hit a post beyond the goal he scored. 2004 Ben Muthersburgh played in all situations. He is still raw but worked on the forecheck and at the net front. We liked his first touches. 6’2” sophomore has his best hockey ahead. On defense, Vermont commit Jagger Benson and Brett Lockhart formed a tough duo. Benson has a great stick, some snarl and tremendous reach, he was good in every situation and he and Lockhart logged big minutes. Lockhart was hard in his end. He glared at an Exeter player after the whistle for about a minute because he had been in the crease. He also has some grit, hits with pop and defends with physicality and a quick stick. He also can carry some and played well on the PP.