In one of the most exciting games of the prep season so far Proctor went to Meriden, NH for a Lakes Region Semi Final. The game had major implications for the Hornets as a loss meant the end of their season and a win not only meant a chance at the Lakes Region title but also a potential berth into the Small School playoffs. “We respect how good of a team KUA is,” said Proctor Head Coach Mike Walsh “but we are going to play our game and that is hard, in your face, aggressive hockey.”
Proctor came out and took it right to KUA but a string of penalties delayed their momentum and gave KUA several chances. The penalties were 6:1 in Proctors favor to start the game and the KUA Wildcats tooks advantage scoring on a 5v3 when Sullivan Mack jammed in a net front rebound to go up 1-0 midway through the first.
The second period both teams exchanged chances in the first half but it was Alex Laracy of Proctor who found the back of the net with 6:36 remaining in the period on a hard stick down net drive which redirected top corner of a skilled centering pass from James Tepper. The game was tied and momentum had shifted heavily in Proctors direction. However, as the period winded down James Tepper came in hard on the forecheck and made a big open ice hit which was originally called for 2 mins charging but then was changed to a 5-minute contact to the head penalty. The Hornets killed off the final 30 seconds of the period but went into the locker room with the season on the line and 4:30 left on the penalty kill.
“Its a testament the kind of team we are and the kind of resiliancy these kids have to face so many penalties early and keep their foot on the gas and not quit,” explained Walsh at the end of the game. Proctor not only killed the entire pentalty off but they scored on a shorthanded goal by senior Kevin Urqhart on a rebound infront. Pure to Walsh’s words as Tepper came out of the box he immediately hunted down the puck carrier in the neutral zone and finished another big check before coming off the ice.
Sullivan Mack would score yet again a minute later in the game; this time on a beautiful snipe top corner off an offensive zone faceoff to tie the game up 2-2. Mack, a candidate for NZ Prep Player of the Year was one of the stars of the game and not only his offensive production but his two-way game and hustle.
The third period was a run and gun back and forth game with both teams having high quality scoring chances. It was intense, fast paced and a great overall environement. With 2:29 Ronan Walsh would go in on KUA goaltender and score 5-hole power play goal to extend the lead to 3-2. That goal would decide the game and Proctor defeated KUA for the first time in several years.
We asked Walsh what the win meant considering the playoff ramifications as well as heading to the Lakes Region finals. “We knew what was on the line and these kids never shyed away from it. Last week we outplayed KUA and going into the lockerroom after a 0-0 tie the kids were upset and heads down so we weren’t afraid of this game and we knew we could win.”
Walsh also joked that while oldest son Reilly, a decorated NHL draft pick who is a standout junior defenseman for Harvard University, gets all the ink, he never tied or beat KUA in his four-year Proctor career. He was happy for Ronan to have done both this season.
Proctor will travel to Tilton for the Lakes Region Finals at 4pm. KUA will play New Hampton in the third place game and Holderness will face St. Paul’s in the consolation game.
Notes
Sullivan Mack proved throughout the game why he was a candidate for NZ Prep Player of the year. He has a complete game, scored two goals and had an honest, detailed approach. The Mack-Mazura dua may be the best in prep hockey.
Proctor goaltender Cole Chingris stood on his head at different moments in this game, particularly on the penalty kill where he made some outstanding saves. He was the first star of the game.
Outside of Mack and Chingris the best player on the ice was Proctor defenseman Joe Fleming, an ’03 freshman out of Boston Jr. Eagles. He was physical, tough to play against and never got beat. He played a mans game and what really stood out was how aggressive he was in his defense against KUA’s top line which is one of the best in prep hockey, if not the best. He was in their face all night and his strength and versatility were obvious.
Freshman ’04 phenom Adam Fantilli did not play in this game.