Boys Varsity Hockey continued their quest to remain unbeaten when they faced Brookline on Wednesday December 19. The way the team is playing has received honorable recognition for being one of the last 10 teams left out on the ESPN Boston high school hockey rankings. Although the main focus for the Rebels was to keep on winning, the team could not help but notice that when Norwood played Brookline last Saturday, they dismantled Brookline 8-1. The boys looked not only to match that score, but beat it.
In the first period, the Rebels’ struggles to score in the first period continued. “It just got to our heads a little, we weren’t playing our game,” said senior Captain Alex Carde. “We knew that as soon as we scored the first goal, more would come”. The lackluster period totaled a lot of shots, but once again the Rebels entered the first intermission tied in a deadlock at 0-0.
As soon as the second period began, the frustration was released when senior John Macdonald beat the goalie. “I think the first goal made it easier for us to play” said Macdonald. The barrage of scoring would continue, as seniors John White and Matt Bender, as well as junior Tommy Macdonald would all score to put the Rebels up 4-0. “It was a fun period to play in” said Bender. And just to show how one-sided play was, the shot total after two periods was 50-9 in favor of Walpole.
Coach Ron Dowd let his players know that he would be dressing every player, as well as playing them, which freshman Tim Bender would take advantage of. The extreme speed of the Rebels was a constant problem for Brookline as many forwards skated right by the defenders. In total Carde, White, John Macdonald, and the freshman Bender would score with their speed and swiftness. It was especially surprising to see Tim Bender score, considering it was his first career game at the varsity level. The final score would end up being 8-0.
There was no disappointment after the game, but more concern for junior teammate Sean Donnelly who was at the receiving end of a blind side hit. “I hope he can come back soon, he is a key player” said senior Tyler Bailey. The boys were unable to beat the goal total of Norwood, but the shutout was even better for senior goalie Ryan Erwin. The hot start continued for the Rebels and now they are out-scoring opponents 17-2. Their next game is away on Saturday, December 22 against a tough Wellesley opponent.
