by Team Reporter & Writer-Nate Gordon
In his most prolific game so far this season, senior forward and Team Captain Max Willman, who already committed to Brown for his college hockey, scored three times and propelled Williston Hockey to a 4-1 win over the Winchendon Wapitis.
This was the team’s 5th straight win, which gives the Wildcats a 7-3 record.
The first period ended in a scoreless tie, though both teams had scoring chances. Senior goaltender Tim Nowacki made numerous key saves in the first eighteen minutes that kept the Wapitis from getting on the board first. In total, Nowacki faced 35 shots (.971%)
Williston took the first lead of the game 1:23 into the second period. Sophomore defenseman RJ Guardia threw the puck out of Williston’s defensive zone. Willman picked the puck up in the neutral zone and skated down the right side of the rink. He then slid the puck to junior Brandon Borges in the slot who scored on the left side of the net which was unguarded. This was Borges’ eighth goal of the season.
Two minutes later, junior defenseman Chris Dumont was hit from behind in Williston’s defensive zone. He was helped off the ice by a pair of teammates and did not return to action. After the game, it was clear he had aggravated an injury to his ankle/foot region. This was Dumont’s second game back after missing five games with this injury, originally sustained on December 11th.
Senior defenseman Nick Staub also sat out his second straight game with a lower-body injury. In Staub’s and Dumont’s place sophomore defensemen Guardia and Tiger Lindsay have seen increased playing time.
With thirty-two seconds to go in the second period, Willman added to the Wildcats’ lead. He skated down the right side of the ice, brought the puck to the top of the left faceoff circle, and unleashed a shot that found its way to the top right side of the net.
To start the third period, Williston had a 1:28 5-on-3 power play. The Wildcats were able to control the puck in their offensive zone, but were unable to capitalize.
Just under six minutes into the third Winchedon scored its first and last goal of the game. It was a rebound goal right in front of the net.
Just when it felt like this game was going to be very close, Junior forward Tyler Scroggins down the ice and slid the puck to Willman to give Williston a 3-1 lead. There were just 21 seconds between the two goals.
Two minutes later, Willman completed the Hat-trick on a circus goal that gave Williston an authoritative 4-1 lead. Willman won the faceoff in the offensive zone and pushed the puck forward to the goal. He was then tripped, but from his stomach, he hit the puck and it found the back of the net.
After the game, Willman said of the goal, “The initial plan was to win the draw forward and then hit [Tyler] Scroggins back-door, but I fell and then tried getting it to him, but it went on net instead.”
Head Coach Derek Cunha told his team after the game, “We’re not the team that gives up close goals, we’re the team that scores them and you guys did that today when it mattered. You guys jumped on them, scored some opportune goals and we come out of here with a 4-1 win.
With this loss, Winchedon dropped to 6-6-2.
The Wildcats will face a big test when they play Berkshire on Sunday, January 12. This game is part of the 2nd Annual Winter Showcase hosted by Berkshire. The Berkshire Bears come into the game with an 8-3-1 record and have won their last two games.