The Zebras Top the Zebras 4-3

Concord, MA-The Middlesex School Zebras hosted the Groton School Zebras on Senior Night in Concord. Senior 2002 Nate Crozier started in the net for Middlesex and 2022 Thomas Girioux got the start for the Zebras. Both goalies were tested early and made some key saves. Groton struck first on a pretty shorthanded goal. 2022 Bryan McLachlan buried a slick cross-crease pass from classmate William Noll. 2024 Allen Fang started the play for Groton. Colby commit Jayden Mullens drew a hooking call late in the frame to give Middlesex 1:23 of power play on fresh ice to start the third.Β 

Both squads played with pace and tons of effort in the second. Groton struck early as they scored another short handed goal. Just 56 seconds in, Fang snapped home a crisp pass, cross crease from Noll again. It looked like a replay of the first tally. It was 2-0 Groton. Crozier made a great save to keep Middlesex within two goals soon after. Middlesex responded with a goal. Late 2005 and first year Jack Francini scored up top in tight with assists to senior Shane Jellison and junior Andrew Almeida. The period ended 2-1 with Middlesex on the power play again to start the third.Β 

The final frame featured four goals. Middlesex’s freshman Owen Crann ripped a shot home from the high slot. Freshman Matt Egan and sophomore Renby Fernald worked a smart cycle that led to the score. the game was tied. Middlesex took the lead on the power play when Joe Calo scored from Mullens and Swarthmore lacrosse commit Rex Mabbs. Middlesex took a penalty with about four minutes left and Groton took out Girioux out to play 6v4 hockey. Sophomore Bryan Tang promptly potted and empty net goal and it was Middlesex 4-Groton 2. Groton, who played hard all afternoon was not done, however. They took the goalie out again and Aidan Armaly fired a shot from the point that hit a couple shin pads and went into the net. There was 29.9 seconds on the clock. Groton was able to get one very good chance with just under 10 seconds left but it was not to be. Middlesex took the win on their Senior Night 4-3.

Three Stars

First: Matt Egan (Middlesex)

Second: Jayden Mullens (Middlesex)

Third: Allen Fang (Groton)

Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images