CAPTAIN Jake Regan pulled off some last-second heroics against rival Melrose on Saturday at the Stoneham Ice Arena, tying the game 3-3 with just 20 seconds left to steal a huge point for the Warriors. (Dan Pawlowski File Photo)

Published in the January 15, 2019 edition.

By NOAH GREIF

STONEHAM — After Saturday’s matchup against rival Melrose at the Stoneham Ice Arena, the boys’ hockey team proved to the rest of the league that they can hang with anyone.

Coming into the game, Melrose stood tall with an impressive 7-0-2 record, while the Warriors sat at 2-4-1. However, Wakefield played much better than their record showed, putting together an all-around effort to tie with the Red Raiders, 3-3.

“I think we had a good mindset after a big win last game. We are starting to get on the right track and play in our system, so we had some confidence coming in,” said head coach Jason Lawrence.

The Warriors starting lineup showcased junior Cam Souza, sophomore Tim Lucey, senior captain Thomas Harrington, senior captain Mike Lucey, senior Connor Santos and in net was senior Justin Harding.

Both teams started quickly, proving to have that essential adrenaline to win this classic rivalry game. Wakefield caught an early opportunity with a Melrose penalty five minutes in, and the Warriors pounced quickly. Freshman Mike Locke fought hard in front of the Melrose net for a power play goal six seconds into the penalty.

Just when the Warriors thought they had the early momentum, Melrose snatched it right back with a pair of goals less than a minute apart. The Red Raiders scored on a wrist shot with 6:27 to go and a go-ahead rebound goal with 5:53 to go. Wakefield had a slight mental lapse, but were able to hold Melrose off for the rest of the period, especially with a key breakaway save by Justin Harding. After one period, the Warriors held tight with Melrose, only down 2-1.

Melrose got off to a strong start in the second period with another wrist shot goal. The Red Raiders got another look with a delay of game penalty on Justin Harding, served by Cam Souza, but the solid power play kill of Wakefield made sure to keep Melrose off the board.

Melrose was then called for its own delay of game penalty with four minutes to go. The Warriors yet again took advantage on the power play, this time on the back of the penalty with a hard-fought goal by Souza. Immediately after the goal, Souza had a look of relief on his face, knowing how essential the goal was, narrowing the score to 3-2, Melrose.

After a momentum-building second period, the Warriors knew they had Melrose on their heels, as they had been playing some of their best hockey all season.

“Stick to the system, and don’t change the way you’re playing,” was Lawrence’s message to his team during the break and it would ultimately pay off.

In the opening minutes of the third period, Justin Harding continued his brilliant play in net with a clutch breakaway save. Harding made a total of 21 saves on the day, keeping the sharp Melrose offense to a minimum with the help of his defense.

Throughout the third period, play got chippy between the rivals and hit a breaking point with penalties on both teams for roughing with 2:11 left. Both teams had a lot of passion to earn the victory, so the emotions were getting intense in the closing minutes of the game.

In the final thirty seconds of the game, the pressure was riding high for Wakefield to tie it up, especially with an empty net to fuel the offensive push. However, captain Jake Regan acted calmly, was able to glide past the Red Raider defenders and got the goal the Warriors needed to tie the game, with the crowd going insane for the clutch play by the senior.

“The way we finished shows a lot about the character of the guys in our locker room. We aren’t satisfied, but I was happy about the way we played. We might not always outskill teams, but we can outwork them,” said Lawrence on his team’s effort.

The Warriors were topped by the Middlesex League’s first-place team, Arlington (6-1-2), 7-2 last night. Wakefield (2-5-2) will get the opportunity to play in the aptly named Warrior Ice Arena, the Boston Bruins’ practice facility in Brighton, tomorrow at 3 p.m. against Saint Joseph Prep (6-5-1).