Need one today for tournament appearance
THE BOYS need a win or a tie against Wilmington today at Stoneham Ice Arena if they want to celebrate a postseason appearance. Puck drops at 2 p.m. (Donna Larsson File Photo)
Published in the February 23, 2018 edition.
By DAN ZIMMERMAN
STONEHAM – After narrowly edging non-league opponent Brookline in Wednesday’s matinee at the Stoneham Arena, the Wakefield High School boys’ hockey team now hopes to make it a one-two punch when they face Wilmington in their regular season finale on Friday.
By defeating Brookline, 4-3, the Warriors claimed two of the three points they required to advance to the MIAA Tournament via the Sullivan Rule, which allows teams with sub-.500 records an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs by winning at least half their games against opponents in their division or below. All that stands in the Warriors’ path to the post-season is a Wilmington club that dealt them a 3-0 shutout in a clash two weeks ago.
A tall task perhaps but as Wakefield assistant Coach Mike Manfredi explained, desperation can be a dangerous weapon.
“According to the Brookline coach, they were in a similar situation today, needing two points to reach the playoffs with the Sullivan Rule,” the coach said. “Like us, they were fighting for their lives. Sometimes, it is all about desperation.”
Brookline, which competes in the Bay State Conference, wrapped up a disappointing campaign with a 2-17-1 overall record. Wakefield, meanwhile, improved to 5-13-1 and at a minimum, must snare a tie with Wilmington.
The odds are good, as long as the experienced players continue to lead the team and produce offense. Junior defenseman Jake Regan, for instance, frequently skated deep, churning some great chances, including one that yielded a shorthanded goal and put the Warriors on top. The play developed as Thomas Harrington, skating on the penalty kill, carried to the corner instead of dumping and retreating. He furnished a feed to a trailing Regan, who unloaded a blast that beat Brookline goaltender Felix Madsen, midway through the first period.
“When we started out this season, we were struggling on offense,” said Regan, whose trademark sprint around the opposition’s net has created countless opportunities. “Coach told me I had a good shot and I should use it. I’ve had some success with one-timers.”
As was often the case during this season, Wakefield suffered a lapse after assuming the lead, allowing Brookline to tally a pair. Colin Finnegan and Aidin Chin scored back-to-back, a minute apart, to capture a 2-1 lead.
“We scored that goal and suddenly, everyone sat back and thought it was going to be an easy game,” said Manfredi. “We got complacent, especially in front of our own net. During the break, we had a talk with them and urged them to do the things that we knew would lead to success.”
The antidote for the Warriors ills was provided by Matt Petitto, who converted a surgical feed from Harrington to knot the game at 2, at the midpoint of the middle frame. Brendan Vacca was credited with an assist on the score.
Two minutes later, Tim Lucey tapped a soft pass to linemate Dan Guarino, who skated coast-to-coast and polished off the rush with a go-ahead goal.
“I took a chip pass from Timmy (Lucey) and came down the ice,” said Guarino, describing his second goal of the season that put the Warriors in front, 3-2. “Both defensemen were tied up so I looked for the open shot and put it in the corner.”
Heading into third period action, Wakefield needed insurance and got it from a reliable source.
“I have to give credit to Mikey (Lucey) for that one,” said Harrington, who figured in three of the four Wakefield goals, including the eventual game-winner. “We’ve been working on getting pucks to the net and tips. I got a lucky bounce and it went in.”
Harrington, leading the team with 7 goals and 18 assists for 25 points, was his usual humble self when asked about his season-long leadership of the young Warriors.
“I’ve had a great year but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” he said. “They pushed me to play better and I’d like to think I pushed them. I have to give them credit. I couldn’t do this by myself. We really worked together as a team today.”
With 5:32 remaining in the game, Brookline drew to within one on a Jack Friedman goal. With 54 seconds left and Harrington in the penalty box, they exchanged Madsen for an extra attacker. Wakefield withstood a nail-biting 6-on-4 stretch, with help from goaltender Justin Harding, who stopped 19 shots overall, including several in the waning seconds.
“We have a chance to make the tournament for the first time in a number of years so we need results on Friday,” said Manfredi. “This win should motivate them.”
