The boys J.V. hockey team traveled to Wallingford Ct. to take on the Wild Boars of Choate. Both teams are having strong seasons and the forecast for this game was that it would be close. That prediction was correct as Choate skated away with a 3-1 win with an empty net goal in the last seconds.
The first period was a back and forth 15 minutes as both teams opened the game creating good scoring chances. It would be a 0-0 standstill after one period as Andrew Peck was having a great game in net for the visiting Deerfield squad.
Choate scored first in the second period after some sloppy play in our defensive zone. Minutes later Nicky Hay would even the score with a quick strike that found the back of the Choate net. Late in the second period Deerfield was called for a penalty and Choate scored on the ensuing power play. Down by a goal heading into the third period the Deerfield boys found themselves in a place they haven’t been in since the beginning of the season; down by a goal late in a game.
Both coaches were pleased with the effort that came forth in the final period, but we just couldn’t find the back of the net. Frustration mounted and try as we might, the Choate defense and goaltending were up to the task of keeping us off the scorer’s sheet tonight. In the final seconds Choate would score an empty net goal to seal the victory.
Andrew Peck was excellent in net along with the strong defensive play by defense men Will Holland, Nate Baker, Henry Gustavsen, and Alex Weinman. The team will spend Monday and Tuesday getting ready for Cushing Academy’s varsity B team at home this Wednesday.