by Team Reporter Nate Gordon ’16
Behind two goals from senior Jared Karas and three power play goals, Williston Boys Hockey (5-6-1) defeated Worcester Academy (3-7) on Wednesday, January 14th.
This was the Wildcats’ first shutout of the season with junior Shane Mason stopping all shots in the first two periods (14) and senior Elie Small played the third period stopping all seven shots.
Mason, the team’s starter, said after the game, “[The key] was just going out there and playing our game, like we’ve been playing versus the top teams in New England. We’re getting in a groove now after the holiday break.”
After a sluggish start, Williston scored its first goal 4:31 into the game and added a second three minutes later. The team’s final three goals were scored on the power play.
About the team’s success with the man-advantage, senior Brandon Bork, who tipped in the team’s fifth goal, said, “We were doing the easy things, we were just throwing the puck on net, crashing, getting a lot of traffic, and trying to bury the easy rebound goals.”
While the Wildcats took the only three penalties in the first period, Worcester went to the box six times in the final two minutes. Scoring three power play goals and giving up none is a good sign.
The highlight of Wednesday afternoon happened in the locker room between the first and second periods. Ninety-eight year old 1936 Williston Hockey captain visited the 2014-15 team accompanied by Williston Head of School, Mr. Robert Hill. Mr. Craig Campbell’s visit put Williston Hockey program history into perspective for members of the team this season.
Williston Head Coach Derek Cunha said, “You’re part of something much bigger than just youselves. Regardless of what your experience is here, this group is always going to be something that’s special to you. That hopefully it’s one of you guys, seventy years from now, getting wheeled in to rally the troops for a game.”
Two days from now, on Friday the 16th, the Wildcats will take on Winchendon. The teams’ first matchup this season resulted in a 4-3 Williston win.