The defensive corps would be a five man rotation, with Jake Jesi, Jake Giacchino, Mikey Caputo, Cody Hesse, and Garrett Lafata, taking their turns. The Coaches would rotate three center men, Joe Emma, Jared Brann, and Ryan Duval, and pair four sets of wings. The wing combos were Jake Esposito LW/Mike Dooley RW, Top Shelf Tommy Cashin LW/ Big Edison Forbes RW, Andrew Anzalone LW/ Kevin McDevitt RW, and Versatile Vitaly Knowles LW/ Mike Castro RW.

Second shift of the game and center men Joe Emma set up a driving Mike Castro who whistled a pretty wrist shot top shelf, with not much room to spare, 1-0, Masconomet, on a slick goal. The good times continued with Edison Forbes setting up Tommy Cashin for a rocket, save Tewksbury. Emma to Andrew Anzalone, save. Strong back-check from Kevin McDevitt followed by a big body check from Mike Castro. Masco was rolling. Castro to line mate Vitaly Knowles and Knowles banged one off the iron. Great puck movement continued with Joe Emma carrying to Mike Dooley, Dooley dishing to Jake Esposito, Espo, using his points, back to an open Jake Jesi for a blast, and another Tewksbury save. The Redmen’s goalie was keeping his team in the game early.

The Chieftains were playing this period like a tutorial. Fast Skating, quick puck movement, head-manning the puck, quality shots, commitment to back-checking, and a strong aggressive fore-check. Even the goalies did their part, stopping and dropping on loose pucks, when they felt pressure. It was as if the boys wanted to let Coaches Panella and Roach know they had been listening at practice, in the locker room, and on the bench, all year.

Garret Lafata, (a forward converted to defense because of call-ups and injuries), used his speed and puck awareness to catch up to a developing play, and break it up cleanly in the Masco zone. A strong back-checking effort by Garrett.

OH-OH, Masco took its first penalty, Anzo to the box for the minor. No Worries as Castro, Knowles, Giacchino, Caputo, then Forbes and Duval, shut down the Tewksbury man-advantage, icing the puck time and again, not allowing the Redmen any time in the offensive zone. After the kill, Tommy Cashin joined the attack and set up Edison Forbes for a screamer that Forbes ripped over the Tewksbury goalie’s shoulder, 2-0, Masconomet. Forbesie wasn’t done setting up Cody Hesse for a drive from the point, but another quality save, Tewksbury.

Back at his familiar position of RW, Mike Dooley just oozed strength and toughness. Dooley won numerous battles, winning pucks in corners and along the boards, and this time set up Jake Esposito for a roof-rattler goal, 3-0 Masco, on three top-shelf shots. Dooley wasn’t done, as he raced rink-length, won a battle in the Tewksbury slot and almost finished a 1 on 3, end of period rush. Pure strength, hustle and determination.

(Author’s Note: Coaching multiple sports for over 40 years, I can honestly say, Dooley is the kid, if you gave him a lacrosse stick, football, soccer ball, tennis racquet, Irish Hurling Stick, or croquet mallet, and said, “learn this sport in 3 hours”, he would be the best kid in the County. A terrific Natural Athlete who is talented at what ever activity he vigorously pursues. Sometimes misunderstood, but always a great teammate.) Hats Off to Dooley.

Ahead 3-0 going to the 2nd period, Coach Panella signaled to the “Quiet Man,” Jason Begley, “get ready to play goal.” Masco continued to dominate, with Joe Emma setting up Jake Jesi for a point blast. Same shift Cody Hesse had a chance from the blue-line that was deflected.

Michael Dooley was at it again, hard work and determination, in the Tewksbury zone, produced a Dooley pass to his buddy Jake Esposito again in front, a wrister upstairs by Espo, to make it 4-0, Masconomet. Not to be outdone, Dooley playing forward with Masco short-handed, raced to the Tewksbury end to smother a loose puck, he kept three Tewksbury skaters tied up, and finally, broke free, bulled his way to the front of the Tewksbury net, and slid the puck 5-hole, on the startled Redmen goalie, with 3 Redmen skaters pulling him down. 5-0 Masconomet and a helluva great individual hustle play by Dooley. (Maybe Dooley had a new girlfriend in the crowd he was trying to impress?) No Matter, Terrific Effort.

Jake Esposito continued the slick puck movement, with a timely pass back to Cody Hesse at the point and this time Hesse blasted the puck quicker, through the traffic and on target, save Tewksbury, but a good individual adjustment by Hesse. The hustle was still there from all the Masco defenders, including Garrett Lafata, who again used his speed and anticipation to break up a Redmen rush. Even the Quiet Man pitched in, keeping the shutout intact with a pouncing loose puck save, and the patented Begley 1st baseman snap glove save.

On to the 3rd period, and the Coaches tapped Connor Pellerin on the shoulder, indicating the Rookie goalie, (playing his 1st season ever between the pipes), would finish the day for Masco. The Final score would be 7-3, Masconomet, with quality plays still being made in a shortened, running time 3rd period. Dooley to Espo to Emma, glove save. Garrett Lafata steals the puck goes in alone and roofs the puck to make it goal #6 for Masco. Mike Castro, who has established himself as one of the best passers on the team, working together with Vitaly Knowles to fore-check, keep the puck deep, grab the loose puck, and whip the pass to Vitaly for a quality scoring chance,. Eddie Forbes and Tommy Cashin just dominating with their size and physicality, strong on the back-check by Forbes, just willing the puck up and out of any danger.

OH-OH, penalty time for Masco. Every so often frustration gets the better of a player when the referees whistle doesn’t come when it should, but you can always count on the whistle for retaliation. This just gave Mike Dooley another chance to work his short-handed magic, again great individual effort, resulting in a terrific goal, 7-1, Masconomet. The game ended the way it began with excellent puck movement by Masconomet, Dooley to Espo to Brann, back to the point to Jake Giacchino. Dare I say, a ‘Clinic’ in puck movement today by Masconomet.

As the Coaches collected the boys home and away jerseys, there were a lot of smiles in the locker room. Coaches shared their thoughts. “A season we can all be proud of. A team that has improved everyday and a team that regularly shared the puck. No great players, but 18 very good players, willing to play the game the right way. You trusted yourselves and trusted your teammates to make the smart play, the right play at the right time. Stupid penalties kept to a minimum. Odd-Man-Rushes kept to a minimum defensively. Solid Goaltending from Johnny, Jason and Connor. The key to this group was puck-movement. It is fun to watch when you share the puck. Everybody can get bigger and stronger. Everybody can get faster, skating. You guys have one attribute that some teams never learn; the ability to move and share the puck. Going forward, you will be a hard team to play at the Varsity level, based on your unselfishness as a team, and your ability to share the puck.”

“Excellent year to everyone, and Congratulations on going 17-2-0. It has been a pleasure to coach this team.” Coaches Panella and Roach.

Final Score Masconomet 7-Tewksbury 3, Final Record 2012 Masconomet JV Ice Hockey 17-2-0

Skate III Tyngsboro, MA: What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours. That’s the tune the Masconomet JV Hockey Team was humming after beating a tough Westford Academy team, 3-2, in their old barn Wednesday afternoon. The Skate III Rinks are old, and with unusually warm temperatures for mid-February, the ice surface was sure to be a problem. Lucky for Masco they brought their A-game early, as the early lead would prove precious.

Coach Panella and Roach welcomed 3 center-men, 4 sets of wings, and rotated 5 defensemen. The Defensive corps would have a new look, because of injuries and call-ups. Jake Giacchino and Mike Caputo, would be joined by Cody Hesse, Garrett Lafata, and volunteering to help the team, Michael Dooley. Dooley is a tough, hardnosed skater, not afraid of anything or anyone, and was commended by his teammates for stepping up and helping the team.

The Coaches would rotate 3 centers, Joe Emma, Jared Brann, and Ryan Duval, with the wing combos of Tom Cashin/Edison Forbes, Mike Major/Mike Castro, Vitaly Knowles/Kevin McDevitt, and Andrew Anzalone/Jake Esposito.

Masco would strike first and early with Edison Forbes finding Joe Emma, who set up Tommy Cashin, point blank, and Top Shelf Tommy buried the biscuit, for the early 1-0, Masco lead. Masco would press its advantage with Jake Esposito getting the 2nd goal on a tip pass from Tom Cashin, lengthening their lead to an early 2-0. You could see from the balcony, directly over the ice that the ice surface was getting pretty choppy and snowy, early.

Cody Hesse, getting more comfortable at Defense every day, made a smart play to keep the puck deep. It wasn’t all gravy though, as Masco had a turnover at it’s own blue-line, followed by a failed clearing attempt. Clearly the snowy ice surface was going to cause problems. Strong passes, strong clears, and strong shots were needed to navigate this ice surface on this day. No patty-cake passes or patty-cake shots, today.

Mike Dooley, playing his first game at defense in years, was tough minded, and solid. Dooley kept it simple, D to D passes were crisp, his clearing plays were strong, and his general play inspired confidence in his defensive partners and teammates. Dooley brings a rugged physical presence, which was much needed today. Dooley’s toughness is contagious, Hats Off to Dooley!

Strong shift from Mike Major and Mike Castro resulted in a scoring chance for Castro, off the wing. Ryan Duval buzzing on the same shift, keeping the puck deep, and Castro fighting to break up a break-out play and stuff the puck deep. Masconomet was playing textbook Chieftain Hockey, strong on the fore-check, keeping Westford bottled up and frustrated in their own zone. Vitaly Knowles and Kevin McDevitt continued the pressure using speed and angles to keep the puck deep, and Jake Esposito made a pretty cut-pass to Jake Giacchino, cutting in from the point, and shooting just wide. Giacchino would keep the good karma going, blasting a Grey Ghost forward as he raced into the Chieftain end, rubbing him out on the boards, with his textbook hip-check.

Not again. Masco dominates a period, but gives up a back-breaker goal to Westford, with 6.6 seconds left, in the period, because skaters are not selling out to get the puck over the 10″ of blue paint called the Blue-Line. “Stop the dangling, and get the puck out at all costs,” was the edict from the bench.

On to the 2nd period, and first shift, Mike Dooley is diving headfirst to block a slapshot from a Westford shooter. A Gutsy, inspiring play by Dooley sacrificing his body to keep his team ahead. The ice-surface was only getting worse, choppy, snowy, and heavy. Tommy Cashin, moving his feet, found Edison Forbes who wheeled around the net, (Forbes patented round-the-net move), who held the puck, spotted Joe Emma slashing in, and fed Emma for a quality scoring chance. Masco keep the pressure on. The next shift saw Mike Castro on a strong fore-check gathering the puck and finding Cody Hesse for a blast from the point, which a hustling Jared Brann, lunged and tipped over the goalie, 3-1, Masconomet.

Johnny Anderson played well as the starting goalie, allowing only the lone goal at the end of the 1st period on the late odd-man-rush, with 6.6 seconds remaining. Otherwise Johnny played well, keeping everything in front of him. Jason Begley came on half way through the 2nd period, and immediately made two tough saves, including his trademark snap glove save, (1st baseman style). Begley would struggle a little with rebounds, but kept Masco in the game, going to the 3rd period.

The Chieftains continued to play quality hockey, in not ideal conditions. The ice was getting worse by the shift. Joe Emma, strong back-check helping start the break-out play. Masconomet’s compete level was very high, building off yesterday’s loss to Central Catholic JV-A. As the ice surface worsened, the Grey Ghosts upped their chippiness. This would be a warning for the 3rd period.

“Stay out of the box, let them take the stupid penalties, lets play hockey, and not retaliate.” Good advice it seemed going into the final 12 minute period. Masco started well, with Mike Castro making a hustle play, driving to the net and forcing the Grey Ghost keeper to make a clutch save. Ryan Duval, using his reach and anticipation, to keep the puck deep in the Westford zone. Cody Hesse and Mike Dooley, working the puck up and out of the defensive zone, playing strong at the points, and keeping the puck deep in the Grey Ghost end.

When a team is nursing a 3-1 lead vs a team that had handed them one of their two losses on the season, a tip of the cap needs to go to the defensive pairings: Newcomers, Mike Dooley, Cody Hesse, and Garrett Lafata, (all former forwards), and Italian Cousins, Jake Giacchino, and Mikey Caputo. Job well done, by these unsung heroes.

OH-OH, penalty Masco, Jake Esposito, boarding. Not exactly what the Doctor ordered in a 3-1 hockey, game. Masconomet weathered the man-advantage at first, with Emma and Cashin, and Forbes and Duval working hard to keep the Grey Ghosts at bay. Eventually the pressure won out. Begley made the initial save, but Westford stormed the net and flipped the rebound over Begley’s back, to cut the Masco lead to 3-2.

Here comes the Grey Ghosts. The rough stuff continued with Jake Esposito battling with a Grey Ghost forward in the offensive zone, getting tangled up. Esposito called for roughing, but no matching call on the Westford Academy, trouble-maker. Masco down a man sent out Edison Forbes, Mike Castro, Jake Giacchino and Mikey Caputo, to kill off this man-advantage. Great job by all four skaters, playing their lanes and keeping the puck out. The best penalty-killer turned out to be goalie Jason Begley who made a point-blank save to keep the lead for Masco. Masco did its job, getting pucks up and out of the D-Zone and deep into the Westford zone. Castro, Brann, Knowles, speed, quickness, smarts, keeping the Chieftains out of danger and the puck in the Westford zone. Vitaly Knowles using his speed stole the puck along the half-wall, in the Grey Ghosts end and was killing clock, by keeping the puck at his feet. A Westford forward charged at Vitaly, from 20 feet away, left his feet, and blasted Knowles with an ungodly cheap-shot. Knowles went down, Jake Esposito jumped in to protect Knowles, and the Westford Defenseman who blasted Knowles started throwing punches at Esposito. Needless to say the Refs had a mess. They immediately, sent the puncher off the ice and to the locker room, Fighting Major and Game Misconduct. The Cheap-Shot Artist received a Boarding Major and a Game Misconduct. All this with less than 1:30 to go in the game. Masco needed no more goals, so Edison Forbes forced a Grey Ghost forward deep into his own end, and proceeded to tie him up, and steal the puck, a fabulous play. The Westford skater retaliated by trying to put the 6′ 2″ Forbes in a headlock. Bad idea. Forbes ripped his hands off his neck, and was about to take matters into his own hands, but stopped. The Refs immediately called the game with: 38 seconds to go, ushering the Un-Sportsmanlike Grey Ghosts off the ice kicking and swearing, and acknowledging to the Masconomet team and staff, that their team showed remarkable restraint, for a JV Hockey team. The Masconomet team deserved the win, and earned the respect of all who watched; the Refs, the Parents of both teams, and the Grey Ghosts, themselves. Masconomet and their players will be playing this Westford Academy team at the Varsity level in years to come, and should be proud of the effort and energy it took to persevere.

Remember, “You don’t want to wrestle with a Pig. When you wrestle with the Pig, two bad things happen; You get Muddy, and the Pig likes it!” Congratulations to Masco for not wrestling with the Westford Pig.

“Strong Win. Strong Effort. No Quit. Tough skating conditions, but good perseverance. Maybe not an artistic success, but an excellent all-around team effort. Special shout-out to Mike Dooley, who stepped up and helped us today on defense. Big physical presence by Dooley. Defensive corps, way to play well, clearing pucks, and moving them out of danger. Forwards, good compete level. Hard work by everyone, good team win. Smart playing by everyone not getting involved in the foolishness at the end. We came here to win our 16th game, and that’s what we accomplished. The Coaches are proud of this bunch. Let’s have a great practice on Friday, and finish strong with a tough game vs. Tewksbury on Saturday morning. Be at the rink early, 11:15am for a 12:10pm puck-drop.”

FINAL SCORE CHEIFTAINS 3-GREY GHOSTS 2, TEAM RECORD 16-2-0

FINAL GAME vs TEWKSBURY, 12:10PM, SAT 2/18/12 @ TEWKSBURY BREAKAWAY ICE CENTER

MVF-LAWRENCE MA: Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other team. That seemed to be the case, Tuesday afternoon at the MVF-Lawrence, where the Central Catholic JV-A Raiders skated past the JV Chieftains, 5-1, handing Masconomet its 2nd loss of the season. Central played bigger, faster, and stronger, with more resolve and determination than Masco this afternoon. It was not that Masco didn’t compete, they did, but Central had their way pretty much all day.

Coaches Panella and Roach opened the door and Johnny Anderson led the team out for warm-ups as the starting goalie. The Coaches would skate four full lines with three sets of defensemen. The line combos had Joe Emma C/ Jake Esposito LW,/ Mike Dooley RW, Jared Brann C/ Tom Cashin LW/ Edison Forbes RW, Ryan Duval C/ Mike Major LW/ Mike Castro RW, and Vitaly Knowles C/ Andrew Anzalone LW/ Kevin McDevitt RW. The defensive pairings had Mike Caputo/Jake Giacchino, Cody Hesse/Jake Jesi, and Garrett Lafata/ Mike Jesi. Jason Begley and Connor Pellerin were backing up John Anderson in goal.

The 1st period was predominately played in the Masco defensive zone, with Central constantly skating, constantly moving their feet and the puck, and taking quick 35-40 seconds shifts. Masco seemed to be a day late and a dollar short, tentative, slow, reactionary. Thank God for Johnny Anderson who kept Masco in the game the entire 1st period making tough save after tough save. A pad save, a blocker save, a goalmouth pounce save. Central also hit two posts,” the Goaltenders best friend”, to keep the game scoreless.

Masco did not help their cause, taking two early penalties and forcing the penalty killers to do yeoman’s work. On consecutive shifts, McDevitt, Knowles, Anzalone and Mike Jesi made smart clearing plays, sending the puck deep into the Central zone, helping to kill off the Raiders man-advantage. Masco lost valuable RW Mike Castro on his 2nd shift, experiencing skate problems. Castro borrowed Coach Roach’s skates and returned to the ice, later in the period.

The JV Chieftains made some plays. Lafata, playing D, with good hustle to keep a puck deep. Knowles using speed and grit to win a battle and force the puck into the Central zone. M Jesi, a great poke check to strip a Raider puck carrier near the Masco cage. Ryan Duval, a strong fore-check, in the Central end. Edison Forbes brought strong commitment almost every shift, but Masco needed more from everyone. Unfortunately, Masco’s good plays were overwhelmed by Central’s constant effort, and determination. Masco played good in spurts, Central played good every shift. Finally a Masconomet mistake cost the Chieftains, as a forward’s give-away at Masco’s own blue-line allowed Central to swoop in 3 on 1, and #22 beat Johnny Anderson cleanly from #15 and #2. All this with 1:06 left in the 1st period. A lousy time to give up that first goal, 1-0 Central Catholic.

On to the 2nd period, and the ice continued to tilt towards the Raiders. Masco had the early man-advantage, with Ryan Duval sending a slot back-hand, over the net, but Masco could not generate any sustained pressure. Garrett Lafata, playing D, expertly broke up a Central Catholic 2 on 1, and Johnny Anderson continued to play well in goal, making multiple tough saves. Jake Giacchino, blasted a Raider skater with his patented hip-check, sending the puck carrier for a ride. Unfortunately, a Masco forward would take a hooking penalty, (too many times today, Masco skaters would reach with their stick, instead of moving their skates, taking a penalty), and Central would quickly capitalize. Save Johnny, rebound, score, 2-0, Central Catholic. The barrage continued with Central blasting shots at Johnny, and an apparent Raider goal was waved off, for being struck in with a stick above the shoulder. Still 2-0.

Masconomet, to their credit, continued to play hard. Knowles and McDevitt strung together a strong effort, culminating in McDevitt ripping two shots, from point blank range, but both were denied by the 2nd Central Catholic keeper. Good puck movement by Mike Jesi to Mike Dooley, who found Jake Esposito, shot, save. Mike Major, working with a re-tooled Mike Castro, had two great scoring chances, a toe-skate save, and a point blank rocket, both denied by the Raider goalie. Vitaly Knowles, who had a particular strong game, stealing the puck and forcing the play. Vitaly, with Anzo trailing the play, deked the goalie and left the tap in for Anzalone, but Andrew’s effort was stymied by the Central keeper. What a beautiful play by Knowles, good hustle by Anzo following the play to the net, but another big save, Red Raiders. It seemed it was not to be Masco’s day. The 2nd period ended with a spirited shift from Emma/Dooley/Espo, but the score remained, 2-0, Central Catholic.

Observations after two periods. Central Catholic seemed too fast, too talented and too confident for Masco to slow down. The Red Raiders were beating Masco to most loose pucks and were winning most of the 50/50 battles. Their shifts were shorter and their line changes were crisper. Masco, who were rotating 4 lines and 3 sets of defensemen, seemed to get caught taking unreasonably long shifts, 1:10-1:30, and many Masco skaters looked and played gassed.” Shorter, quicker, crisper shifts,” reminded the Coaches, “for anybody to be tired, with 18 skaters, is our fault, for too lengthy a shift.”

The advice seemed to pay off as the Knowles, McDevitt, Anzalone line combined on a strong hustle play with Vitaly shooting the puck from down low, the result of good puck movement from Kevin and Andrew, catching the Central Catholic keeper by surprise, and getting Masconomet on the board early, 2-1, Central leads.

Anderson would continue to keep Masco, in the 2-1 game, pouncing on loose pucks. The line of Cashin/Brann/Forbes, would skate hard, setting up Brann twice for chances but both times Jared seemed to just miss connecting. Soon this group seemed to quickly run out of steam. Another too lengthy of a shift. Some of our skaters conditioning would be questioned, today?

Solid shift, Duval to Castro, back to Major, over to Duval, shot save. Strong back check by Major, good two-way play. Better puck movement, Dooley to Emma, Emma to Espo, back to Joe, shot, save Central. Unfortunately the good fortune would end, with a tired Masco forward, coughing up the puck at his own blue-line, (instead of using his size and strength, to push the puck out of the Masco zone), and Central capitalized quickly on the odd-man break, to beat Anderson, to make it 3-1, Central. The goal-scorer was “Billy Goat,”(PJ, Edison, and Jared’s Red Ranger teammate). The air was now starting to go out of the balloon for Masco. Passes were ending up in teammates skates, the shifts got longer and the changes got slower. The last two Central Catholic goals were, a blooper that Johnny never located over his shoulder, and a poorly timed line change and turnover by Masco that set up a break-away on Anderson. 5-1, Central.

Knowles to Anzalone to McDevitt for a stuff play. Forbes to Cashin to Forbes, shot, save. Major, good hustle play getting a loose puck and tipping it out of danger. The horn sounded and Central celebrated the 5-1 beating of Masconomet. With the win, Central Catholic stretched their record to 11-3-1, with their only losses coming to powerhouse programs, Malden Catholic, StJohn’s Prep, and Westford Academy. Masco’s next opponent, Westford Academy, was the only other team to defeat Masco, earlier this past month, 1-0, at the buzzer.

The Coaches reminded the boys of good rest and good nutrition, as many of the boys seemed to lose their legs a little in the late stages of today’s game. “With 18 skaters, our effort needs to be stronger and our shifts and changes; shorter, quicker, and crisper. Too many guys out of gas, today. We will need our best puck movement and passing game, to upset Westford Academy tomorrow. Bus leaves at 2:15pm tomorrow, from Masconomet. This ones over, lets get ready for the Grey Ghosts.”

FINAL SCORE CENTRAL CATHOLIC 5-MASCONOMET 1, JV CHIEFTAIN SEASONS RECORD 15-2-0

NEXT GAME WED 2/15/12 @4:15P @ SKATE III-TYNGSBORO vs. WESTFORD ACADEMY

MVF-LAWRENCE MA: Fast paced with plenty of physicality and action would best describe the contest vs. the Wilmington Wildcats, that the JV Chieftains engaged in Tuesday afternoon. Wilmington, formerly of the Cape Ann League, now a new member of the bigger and tougher Middlesex League, carried a record of 12-1-3 into the Masconomet tilt. Wilmington’s lone loss was 2-0, to a powerhouse Reading Rocket program.

Coaches Panella and Roach opened the door and “Big Save” Johnny Anderson, led the team out for the pre-game skate. Johnny was dialed in from the warm-ups and that bode well for the Chieftains vs. this tough Wildcat bunch. The Coaches welcomed #5 Mike Dooley RW, #9 Joe Emma C, #32 Edison Forbes RW, and #22 Steve Pease LW, as forwards. Again Masconomet would roll 3 center men, Emma, Jared Brann, and Vitaly Knowles, and 4 sets of line combinations; LW Pease/RW Dooley, LW Cashin/RW Forbes, LW Major/RW Esposito, and LW Anzalone/RW McDevitt.

The defense would rotate 5 defensemen, with Jake Jesi, Mike Jesi, Jake Giacchino, Mike Caputo, and Cody Hesse, (for the injured PJ Criscione). Criscione, out for the season with the broken back suffered vs. Lynnfield, joined his teammates behind the bench.

OH-OH, TOO SLOW. Masco was not ready for the quickness, pace and ferocity of the Wildcat attack. Time and again, Masco would gain the puck in its own end but dawdle and fiddle and diddle with the puck. The Masco defense was taking too long to move pucks, and were guilty of over-stick handling, dare I say, dangling, in its own zone. Wilmington’s speed was apparent on the fore-check, stealing pucks from Hesse and M Jesi in successive shifts. Thank God, for Big Save Johnny who started out the game dialed in and stayed focused all afternoon. This was to be Johnny’s best game of the year, against one of Masco’s toughest opponents.

Finally Masco realized the severity of the situation, and the forwards really worked to turn the momentum around. Emma, Cashin and Forbes lead the parade with good hard work and grinding the puck deep into the Wildcat zone and making the Cats play in their own end. Same shift, Jake Jesi moved the puck smartly through center, and found Cashin crashing over the blue-line. Tommy used his size, strength and reach to muscle a pass to Forbes, who had a quality scoring chance.

Jared Brann, setting the back-checking tone, hustled back into his slot area, and blocked a slap shot from between the circles, sending Masco away on the rush. Jake Giacchino parlayed Brann’s block into a nifty rush sliding the puck over to a flying McDevitt for a shot and a save. Wilmington, never opposed to throwing their weight around and finishing their checks, got a little over-zealous, and #6 from the Cats, took a roughing penalty to put Masco on the man advantage.

Masco moved the puck with Cashin feeding Forbes, with Brann open, but the pass from Forbes to Brann was too tardy. Dooley, a nice outlet pass to a zooming Emma for a breakaway and a save by Wilmington. Good physical play from both Jake Jesi and Jake Esposito resulted in ‘Cats coughing up pucks. A little bit of their own “hard checking,” medicine. Brann in alone, just missed. Caputo moving the puck to McDevitt, who again found Emma, save ‘Cats. Joe Emma at it again, found a cutting Giacchino, racing down from the point, Giacchino wound up, but save, Wildcats. The Wilmington Freshman goalie was keeping Masco off the board.

Not to be outdone, Johnny Anderson made another big glove save, after a Masco defensive zone breakdown. The Coaches reminded the forwards and defensive corps, “No time to dangle in your end against this Wilmington team.” Wilmington was a strong team fundamentally.

Masco would finish the period strong. Emma, point blank shot, drawing an Interference Penalty, on #10 Wilmington, had Masco back on the man-advantage. Emma, Major and Espo worked the puck around with Emma doing yeoman’s work to set up Hesse for a screamer from the point, save ‘Cats. Out came, Anzalone, Brann and McDevitt, and their hard work set up Mike Jesi, from the point for his patented, Bomb, save Wilmington. Back at full strength, Dooley used his strength and tenacity to bull a puck out of the defensive zone and out of trouble. Dooley is a handful for any team with his good size, strength, and determination. Giacchino, using his soccer training, used great feet to kick a puck out of danger, as the Wilmington forward had tied up his stick. Good unselfish play by Giacchino.

Wilmington had the last chance of the period, picking up a Masco forward’s turnover at neutral ice, and racing in on a 3 on 2, that Jake Giacchino, and Jake Jesi played perfectly, breaking up the rush. Hats off to the Two Jakes.

On to the 2nd period, and the Coaches advice remained the same.” Move the puck quickly, especially in our own zone. Make the smart play, and the safe play. Let’s back-check and take care of our own end. Johnny is playing terrific but let’s keep rebounds and traffic away from Johnny.”

Masco started quickly, with Giacchino setting up Brann for an in close chance, but a pretty back-hand save by the ‘Cats keeper. OH-OH. Masco takes its first penalty, Knowles for “contact to the head, roughing.” [Editors Note: The Referees have been told that contact to the head, in any form needs to be called, in every instance.] Over the boards, came Dooley, Pease, Caputo and M Jesi, and the group did their job, moving the puck up and out of the Masco zone, and out of danger. Next on the PK came, Emma, Cashin, Giacchino and J Jesi , and they too, controlled the puck and controlled the Wilmington man-advantage.

With the penalty over, out came Forbes to join, Cashin and Emma on the attack. Excellent puck movement and passing from Cashin, to Forbes to Emma, with Joe cutting across the goal mouth, and finishing with a pretty back-hand goal, 1-0 Masconomet. Textbook Goal !

Unable to stand prosperity, just 14 seconds later, Wilmington had the puck deep in the Masco zone. Wilmington’s #6 threw a puck out front from behind the cage, and the pass ricocheted off of a Masco defenseman’s skate, and past a startled Anderson, 1-1, all tied up. Wilmington had now gained some confidence, and looked to grab their first lead. Brann, superb hustle play clearing the puck from the slot while on his backside. Great awareness. Hesse, winning a battle on the boards, sliding the puck to Dooley, who again used his strength and toughness to will the puck out of the zone and out of danger. Dooley not content to get the puck out, followed up the play, gained control, fed Emma, who found an open Steve Pease, who just missed. Pease made a terrific follow-up play, stepping up and blasting the Wildcat puck-carrier, as he tried to zoom past Pease at the Masco offensive blue-line. Very Unselfish Play.

That sequence of events seemed to energize the Chieftains as Giacchino moved the puck to Caputo, Caputo found McDevitt, McDevitt slid the puck to Anzalone whose centering pass was deflected in by a diving Brann. Pure Hustle Goal, 2-1, Masconomet. The good times continued with Cashin and Forbes working together like clockwork, moving the puck and frustrating the ‘Cats. Frustration set in, as Wilmington’s #20, took a charging penalty along the far boards.

Good puck movement again, led to great results. Forbes used his size and reach, to skate the puck into the ‘Cats zone, patiently finding Knowles cutting in, Knowles flipped the puck to Mike Major, who slammed it home, 3-1, Masconomet. Good puck movement, and unselfish play, rewarded. Now the challenge would be how would Masco play with a lead?

Jake Jesi moved the puck through center to Major, Major found Esposito, but the pass was in Espo’s skates, too late, the Wilmington defenseman croaked Espo, blowing him up. Espo whispered to Major on the bench, “No more passes in my feet.” Hesse nice D-zone blocked shot. Emma, racing back to back-check, and helping in his own end. Brann, Dooley, Pease cycling the puck, and keeping the pressure on the Wildcats.

Masconomet continued to play well, but all the accolades for keeping the game close, should go to “Big Save Johnny” Anderson, who was cool, calm, and collected. Johnny made 14 quality saves through two periods including a smothering slot save, as the ‘Cats stormed his crease, post-hugging pads save, and a sliding side to side save. All Big Saves, by Johnny.

Up 3-1. Masco was not done. Cashin, playing so well with Forbes, found Forbes, who set up Knowles for a point blank shot, save Wilmington. Not done, Knowles jumped off on the change and on came Emma at center, and this time Forbes found Cashin, who hit Emma with a pass, and Joe just missed. Well the hustle paid dividends, as Emma controlled the puck, sent it back to Mike Jesi at the right point, and Mike took his quick, laser beam wrist shot, that flew past the Wildcat goalie to make it 4-1, Masconomet, going to the 3rd period.

Excellent game to watch, fast-paced, up and down, and good goaltending on each side. Anderson, dialed in, keeping his team in the lead. Up 4-1, could Masconomet close out Wilmington with 15 minutes remaining? Masco was winning the’ keys to victory’ that the Coaches talked about pre-season. Stay out of the Box. (Masco would take 3 penalties to Wilmington’s 5.) Odd-Man-Rushes, (Masco 5 to Wilmington’s 2). Do the little things and the wins will come.

The Chieftains would control the puck early in the 3rd period. Esposito to Major, setting up Hesse for 2 slapshots from the point on the same shift. M Jesi finding Dooley who found Emma. Pease, same shift, dishing to Dooley for a golden chance, just missed. Jared Brann, another hustle play, back-checking, breaking up the play in the Masco zone and finding Forbes who returned the favor and sent Cashin in, save Wildcats.

Wilmington was not done. Anderson, made Big Save after Big Save, 5 in succession, including a huge ‘bacon-saver’, on a point blank chance from the slot. Hats off to Johnny! His teammates were trying to help him weather the Wildcat attack. Major, strong play on the puck, on the boards, winning the battle and moving the puck out. Jake Jesi following the puck through the neutral zone and working hard to keep the puck deep. Up 4-1, Masco’s job as a team was to keep the puck down low and deep in the Wilmington end. Wilmington could not score if the puck was 200 feet away from the Masco goal. Masco would have a final flurry with Giacchino moving the puck to McDevitt, Kevin finding nzalone in front, and the sharp-shooting Anzo, would blast a shot, save Wildcats.

Not done Wilmington came storming back late, getting shots and traffic in front of Anderson’s net, scoring late on a net front scramble. With the score 4-2, Masco, it was imperative everyone do their job and make the smart play. Smart plays like Dooley back-checking and getting the puck out of the zone. Smart plays like Pease winning a battle at the offensive blue-line and keeping the puck deep in the Wilmington end. Unfortunately Masco would take 2 late penalties, and down a man, then two, Wilmington would pull it’s stellar Freshman goalie. Brann, Major, Giacchino, and Caputo would try to finish the job, with Brann making the defensive play of the game from his belly, lunging and sweeping the puck out of the zone, and down the ice, with a Derek Sanderson, vintage sweep check. Terrific play by a hard-nosed, smart, tough player. Hats off to Jared. The buzzer sounded and the Masco bench emptied, pounding “Big Save” Johnny, on the back, for a job well done.

Excellent victory for Masconomet, who played well as a team and received great goaltending as well. The road gets no easier for Masconomet with their next two games vs. two of their toughest opponents. Central Catholic JV-A, on Tuesday at MVF-Lawrence, and Westford Academy, ( who handed Masco JV their only loss of the season, 1-0, with 0.005 left on clock), Wednesday at Skate-III in Tyngsboro.

Final Score Masconomet 4- Wilmington 2, Team Record 15-1-0