KINGSTON — Perhaps the worst saved secret in Division 4 boys hockey is that when Norwell scores as soon as, the Clippers are a direct risk to do it once more. This recipe for achievement was in full impact within the top-ranked Clippers’ 5–0 victory over No. 8 Martha’s Vineyard within the state quarterfinals.
Norwell (23–1–0) strikes on to the semifinal the place a matchup with No. 4 Grafton (22-2–0) awaits them. The Clippers reached this level a 12 months in the past, falling to eventual champion Sandwich in double time beyond regulation. Norwell coach Jim Casagrande stated that the reminiscence of that sport continues to be along with his workforce.
“Last year stung,” Casagrande stated. “It’s a new year and it’s a different opponent. We’re excited to get to this point but (the players) are done with it. They are ready to go now.”
The closing rating was not the true story of the sport, because the Clippers took almost 28 minutes of sport time earlier than getting on the board. Much of this may be attributed to Vineyarders goaltender Zach Mathias, who stopped the onslaught of alternatives the Clippers threw at him.
“They made it really hard on us,” Casagrande stated. “Even though we out-chanced them, it was 0-0 and that is all that matters.”
Austin Shea almost broke the tie about midway via the second body, nevertheless it was known as again on account of an offside participant. With 2:06 remaining within the body, he utilized a flick of the wrist and located the highest nook.
“It was a big jump start for our team,” Shea stated. “I think that momentum coming into the locker room helped us put them away in the third.”
Within the primary two minutes of the third interval, the Clippers prolonged the result in 3–0. The first got here off the stick of Nolan Petrocelli, with linemate Joey Perniola including one other tally moments later.
This rating would maintain for a couple of minutes, however then it was Timmy Ward’s time to shine. The senior captain flashed distinctive velocity and scored twice inside 30 seconds to provide the Clippers the ultimate 5–0 rating.
“They open up the middle of the ice with their defenseman, so I am able to catch a pass from my defenseman and go through,” Ward stated. “I just faked a shot and went around them to score.”
As the clock ran out and the Clippers earned the victory, the glamour of reaching this level was an afterthought. Shea stated they’re solely targeted on lastly breaking via.
“We got this same feeling last year but came up a little short,” Shea stated. “We’re really hoping we can seal the deal in this next one and reach the final.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com