FRAMINGHAM — The annual Connecticut/Massachusetts Cross-Border High School Hockey All-Star Challenge has all the time supplied a number of the high athletes in New England a chance to play on a grand stage. For the previous 10 years nonetheless, the showcase had all the time been held within the Constitution State.
On Sunday, the Bay State had its first crack at internet hosting the occasions, and despatched lots of its followers house joyful within the course of. St. John’s (Shrewsbury) standout Luke Gerardi registered a hat trick, as Massachusetts received the sophomore/junior recreation in convincing trend with a 6-2 drubbing.
“It’s obviously a privilege to be here in the first place,” mentioned Gerardi. “It’s amazing to do what I did. I just want to thank my coaches for nominating me, and giving me this opportunity.”
It solely took just a few moments for Gerardi to go away an enduring impression, as he pressured a turnover off a forecheck. The St. John’s junior noticed Central Catholic’s Tyler Hamilton racing up ice, and fed his teammate the puck. Like a pinball sequence, Hamilton tapped it proper again to Gerardi in entrance of a large open internet, and he notched his first purpose to present Massachusetts a 1-0 edge with 13:04 to play within the opening interval. Concord-Carlisle’s Jay Carter and Lincoln Hennessy of Quincy tacked on objectives because the Bay State took a 3-1 lead into the second.
With 4:45 remaining within the ensuing interval, Gerardi sprung himself free for a breakaway, and capitalized as Massachusetts seized a 4-1 benefit.
Later on with 11:05 left in regulation, Gerardi put the ending touches on his unbelievable efficiency. After Hingham’s Travis Rugg and Essex Tech junior Armani Booth arrange the play, the St. John’s star sniped his third purpose to finish the hat trick, and Massachusetts was off and operating with a 5-1 lead.
“Saw (Booth) go behind the net,” Gerardi recounted. “I got loose in the slot. Once I got that puck, I just wanted the hat trick. So, I just ripped it.”
In addition to his three objectives, Gerardi tacked on an help. He was named the sport’s Most Valuable Player for Massachusetts.
Braintree junior Larry Graziano added a purpose to shut issues out with 1:47 remaining, whereas Rugg capped his recreation with a pair of assists.
Junior goaltender Jayson Gherlone of Amity High School was named Connecticut’s MVP.
Nick Kondub of Masuk and Dom Violette from Rocky Hill netted objectives within the effort.
For Oliver Ames’ Jim Tierney, it was an honor to function head coach for Massachusetts.
“It feels like a nice tie to the end of the season,” mentioned Tierney. “Like I said, it’s cool. It’s an awesome experience for these kids. It was cool to just be able to be on the bench, and watch some of the best players in Mass. go at it.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com