A game highlighted by big hits, questionable calls and missed opportunities, the Walpole-Norwood rivalry lived up to its expectations. In an instant classic that came down to the wire, Norwood came out on top of their rivals 3-2 to down the Rebels and put their record at 8-3-1 on the season.
Coming into game, the Rebels were looking for redemption after being ousted from the Mustangs in the playoffs the year before. The senior class was exceptionally fired up for the game as they have never beat the Mustangs in their time in High School, with a combination of ties and losses in their time. This game was looking like the time the Rebels would finally break down the barrier: the Rebels were coming into the game on a seven game win streak and the Mustangs did not have a win in almost two weeks coming into the game.
The Rebels flew right out of the gate playing the majority of the first period in Norwood’s end of the ice. Walpole’s physical play led to an early goal by senior Captain Sean Donnelly who put the Rebels on top at 12:35 in the first for the 1-0 lead. The Rebels physical play and big hits lead to their control in the first period but a boarding penalty on senior Bill Moore, one of Walpole’s best offensive players, stunted the Rebels on the offensive end as Moore sat in the penalty box for about 10 minutes.
The second period, however, was all Norwood coming out of intermission rejuvenated with energy. Just 1:12 into the second period Norwood’s senior Captain Jack Sheehan took advantage of a bad line change to tie the game at 1 by getting one past senior netminder Tim Kurker. Just minutes later, Norwood continued their assault by once again beating Kurker to take the lead at 2-1. Walpole would not respond by the end of the second period despite having a strong power play after a Norwood slash.
Despite the rough second period, the Rebels composed themselves coming out of intermission. Just minutes into the third, senior Captain Pat Baker ripped a shot and junior Kevin Quinn took advantage of the rebound as he tied the game at 2.
Baker said, “That goal was big. It gave us the momentum back and made it a tight game again.”
After this point, the Rebels failed to take the lead despite having numerous attempts the were stopped by the Mustangs goalie. One of the best opportunities for the Rebels was when Moore was 1 on 1 with the goalie but failed to get one in the back of the net. After two penalties for both teams that lead to 4 vs 4 hockey, Sheehan took advantage of this by beating Kurker to give the Mustangs the lead and the eventual game winner. After a few questionable calls, Walpole failed to tie the game up as they failed to earn a win for the first time in eight games.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Rebels hope to put this loss behind them as they look forward to lock up their spot in the Division 1 State Tournament and compete for the Herget Title.
