The boys and girls high school hockey teams had their playoff runs cut down this weekend, with the girls team losing 3-0 to Algonquin on Saturday and the boys losing 6-3 to Ashland on Sunday.
The boys and girls high school hockey teams had their playoff runs cut down this weekend, with the girls team losing 3-0 to Algonquin on Saturday and the boys losing 6-3 to Ashland on Sunday.
The girls team was coming off a thrilling double-overtime win against Dedham on Thursday and the boys had blanked Greenfield in the first round, winning 10-0.
But their second round opponents proved too powerful.
Ashland scored two early goals.
Ashland scored two early goals.
“We hung in there but the speed and physicality of Algonquin just wore us down,” girls coach Geoghan Coogan said after the game. “They are a very talented and deep team.”
Despite the loss, Mr. Coogan tipped his hat to his senior goaltender Rebecca Mandelli, who had 36 saves on 39 shots.
“We’ve come a long way as a program and really grinded out games this season,” Mr. Coogan said. “Our lack of depth definitely hurt us in the end. Very proud of the way the girls came to play this season and the future is definitely bright.”
The boys team got in a hole early. Ashland scored a goal on its first shot only a few seconds in the game, and netted a second goal within three minutes.
The team was able to level things up, with goals by Will Baliunas – his first high school goal – and Hunter Johnson.
But Ashland powered back, scoring three goals in the second period.
“They just outplayed us in areas of the game,” said coach Matt Mincone. “Unfortunately, it ends the season.”
Chase Toomey was able to net a third goal for the Vineyarders, edging the score closer. But it wasn’t enough and Ashland later scored an empty netter, taking the score to 6-3.
“It was a good season in the big picture,” Mr. Mincone said. “We ran into a tougher Ashland, a few things didn’t go our way.”
Comments
I got to attend 2 exceptional
Joe Hepworth Western Mass HillsI got to attend 2 exceptional sporting events on the Vineyard this weekend. It was great, two well played games! What I didn’t like is how the students weren’t allowed to be students cheering on their fellow classmates. It seems “home court “ advantage doesn’t exist on this island. After interviewing a few students they said many kids don’t attend games because they aren’t allowed to express themselves. Someone needs to step in and correct this!
Joe, I fear you are getting
Islander61 OBJoe, I fear you are getting misinformation. Having some experience in this area I will enlighten you. Fans, students or adults, are allowed to yell, scream, chant, and cheer on their teams on in an appropriate manner. What they can't do is identify opposing players and verbally abuse them. The announcements say "no taunting of players, coaches, of officials" or something like that. I have seen school staff trying to encourage kids to make noise and cheer, but sportsmanship has to take priority, and that is what schools must require. There are a lot of things student sections can do to cheer and encourage their teams that don't require yelling and swearing at the opposing teams. I think that is what they may be referring to that they can't express themselves, swearing and taunting opposing players is not ok anywhere. Sportsmanship across the country has been called into play at every level, high schools are often the biggest abuser of poor sportsmanship. I applaud the school for keeping sportsmanship a priority. Maybe the kids need to learn how to cheer appropriately, I am positive that would be promoted and encouraged.
Kids should attend games to
Earl Robertson ChilmarkKids should attend games to cheer for their friends and classmates, not to deride, heckle or taunt the opposing team. Just because you go to a sporting event, doesn't mean you get to say what you want. What needs to change is you thinking someone needs to step in and correct it.
For those of us who often
Deborah B. Everett North AndoverFor those of us who often cannot be physically present at these games, I want to thank the great support given by the coaches and staff, parents and friends who are on the scene, week after week. The team members so appreciate that encouragement! I am particularly grateful for the fine broadcasts via Joe Mikos, a parent, that he makes available LIVE! As a grandparent elsewhere in MA, I am sitting on the edge of my seat, following the game on the computer! Technology can be wonderful! Great season team members; you make us all proud!
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