Franklin, MA – It has all lead up to this. MIAA D3 play has led to two teams facing off against each other: 1 vs 2: Mano A Mano. The 16-0-1 Warriors from Nauset were taking on the 18-0-1 Warriors from Medfield here at Pirelli Arena. All of this comes under the backdrop of Medfield celebrating its Senior Night, so the game carries even more emotion as it was circled on both teams’ calendars. Whoever won this game would likely earn the top seed heading into the D3 playoffs. The parking lot was full, the crowd was at capacity and the vibes in the rink were immaculate. Pitter-patter, let’s get at er.
The first period, without question, was one of the best periods of hockey we have seen at any level. A little bit of everything was on display. We saw great speed and cunning skating, we saw strong moves into attacking zone territory. There was great defensive stick work and smart positioning to deny ice. Quick and agile goaltending was a factor for both teams as well. THIS is what MIAA hockey is all about: the best players at the top of their game against the toughest opponents. We expected a good game, but this delivered beyond our expectations. Truthfully, neither team had the edge in possession or momentum. Both teams created quality chances and there were close calls at both ends but the goalies were locked in early. Nauset and Medfield were tied 0-0 after 1.
In the second period, we got off to another fast start. Both teams were shot out of a cannon and making plays at speed. Unlike many other Mass HS games, these teams were both very detail-oriented and covered up well for each other at both ends. Both teams were strong on their sticks and well-positioned to take advantage of inside ice. These were also two of the heaviest and strongest teams we’ve seen all year at any MIAA level. The first five minutes would unfold much like the first period, and then the state’s leading goal scorer called his own number. Senior forward Logan Poulin took a pass up the left wing from junior forward Lincoln Burhoe and he carried it into space. With a clear lane to the net he fired a rocket bar down to give Nauset the 1-0 lead. Full credit to Medfield as they rallied after the goal and created a couple of great looks around the net shortly after the goal was scored. Nauset goalie Zach Coelho was up to the task and shut down every shot he saw including a couple of deflected shots. The pace wasn’t slowing down any and the physicality continued throughout the frame. Onto the third period we went and we had a feeling Medfield would empty the tank.
In the third period, it was a true battle at both ends of the ice. Neither squad was giving an inch. Nauset fought to protect its lead and was working hard along the boards to win battles. Medfield on the other hand was looking for the equalizer and made smart passes to the weak side where their quick wingers could exploit space. Both teams played a strong game and there was no way to gauge who would come out on top because both teams were playing at such a high level. As the period wore on there were Grade A looks at both ends that were shut down with active sticks and bodies. Time dwindled down to the 4:45 mark and Medfield called its timeout following the first penalty assessed in the game: a credit to the referees…they let the boys play. Medfield clamped down in their own zone but they relented a goal with just over two minutes remaining. Junior Jake Eldredge fired the puck to the top of the zone to fellow junior Logan Miller who found an open senior sniper Colin Ward in a shooting position and he wired it top shelf to give his team a 2-0 lead, which at the time felt insurmountable considering how hard goals were to come by. At that point the die was indeed cast: Nauset scored an empty netter with 1:24 remaining, but it was waved off and just a few seconds later they completed their three-goal cushion with a block by junior defender Oscar Escher which sprung Ward and he fired it into the empty net to give us our final of 3-0 Nauset.
Without question, this was the best game we have seen all season, at any level across the MIAA. Both of these teams will be making more noise come March…will they meet up again at TD Garden? Time will tell…
Three Stars:
- F Colin Ward, Nauset
- G Zach Coelho, Nauset
- F Logan Poulin, Nauset