Tag: Eddie Gillis

2022 Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse Preview

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview
Following a first South final appearance, Franklin returns a strong group to go after a state title. Find full previews for all teams below. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview

Attleboro

2021 Record: 3-11
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary Round
Coach: Kevin Patton
Attleboro had some growing pains during the 2021 campaign, but has a good chunk of the roster back in the fold for 2022 and will try to take the next step forward as a program.

The Bombardiers will have a strong foundation on the defensive end of the field. Captain Fred Wheaton is back for another year to anchor the defense and he’s joined by fellow returners Bobby Sawyer and John Wheaton to give Attleboro a solid veteran nucleus to try and shut down some of the top offenses in the league. Attleboro also has sophomore Harry Wheaton back in net after gaining valuable experience in the cage in 2021.

Having last year’s top scorer in Carter Shelton back in the fold will give the Bombardiers a good start in the attack. Shelton scored 30 goals and had 15 assists, finishing 12th in the Hock in scoring. Captain Keigan Conley is also back to bolster the attack, coming off a 22 goal, 10 assist campaign a year ago. Freshman Nathan Conroy is also in the mix already in the attack.

Attleboro’s midfield will be anchored by captain Ryan Betts along with Chad Beaupin and Seth LaPlace. The Bombardiers also expect contributions from Cole McKenna, Patrick McAvoy, and Spencer Scherck.

“We have a lot of returning guys that picked up valuable varsity experience last season,” said Attleboro head coach Kevin Patton. “We are looking forward to a strong season in 2022.”

Canton

2021 Record: 14-2
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 South Semifinal
Coach: Ryan Quinn
Canton split its two games with Foxboro to win a share of the Davenport title in 2021, just the third league title in program history and were an overtime goal away from reaching the Div. 2 South final. The Bulldogs have a lot of experience in the attack and the midfield this season with the goal of putting in another challenge for the league crown and putting together another state tournament push.

The Bulldogs had a dynamic attack last spring and the league’s leading scorer Sam Carlino headlines a strong group this season as well. Junior Jeff Chaput joins Carlino in the attack and the midfield group is filled with experience from last season. Sophomore Brendan Tourgee, juniors AJ Thomas and Chris Hamilton, senior Eddie Gillis, and Charlie Vaughn will all give Canton playmaking at the middie position.

Defensively, Canton will definitely miss graduated goalie Dylan Coyne but the Bulldogs have a talented group of poles that should be tough to score against this season. Senior Sean Connolly will lead that defensive group alongside sophomores Luke Darling and Colin Blake.

“I am really excited about this upcoming season,” said second-year coach Ryan Quinn. “Our student-athletes have been working hard to build on our success from last season, but are very aware that everything we achieve is based upon the work we put in this year, every day.  We are led by a small, but strong senior class, and have depth across all four grades levels. This group is a very coachable group and we are very excited to begin”







Foxboro

2021 Record: 11-4
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Central/East Quarterfinal
Coach: Matt Noone
After graduating just two seniors from last year’s team, Foxboro is back with a strong lineup that will look to reclaim the Davenport title that it shared with Canton in 2021. The Warriors will have depth up and down the field with the goal of not only returning to the top of the division but also being ready for a deep run in the statewide tournament.

Foxboro’s attack is all back from last season. The Warriors finished third in goals scored in the league in 2021 and a year’s worth of experience should make them even more dynamic. Junior Conor Noone was the league’s third-leading scorer last season and he will lead the line again alongside sophomore Lincoln Moore, coming off a breakout rookie campaign, and senior Jack Avery. Senior Tommy Sharkey was an all-star middie last season and he will be joined by junior Finn Stapleton and sophomore Tony Sulham, another player who made a strong varsity debut as a freshman.

Depth should be a strength for the Warriors, who return their second midfield group as well, including sophomores Sully Kenneally, Ryan Cotter, and Ian Foley. Foxboro’s defense is returning as a group too. Seniors Dylan Kerrigan and Ben Ricketts are the leaders at the back and will be joined by classmate Mark Jansen. Senior Matt Grace will start at LSM with sophomore Jack Sullivan backing him up. Sophomore Adam Addeche is back in goal, backed up by classmate Nate Urman, and freshman midfielder John Sacchetti and defender James Dee Gaffney are newcomers with potential.

“The Warriors graduated two seniors and return the core of their team,” said Foxboro coach Matt Noone. “Everyone is a year older with varsity experience which will help us in our 2022 push.”

Franklin

2021 Record: 18-1
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Final
Coach: Lou Verrochi
After reaching the program’s first sectional final in 2021, Franklin brings a typically strong lineup of experienced players who will be aiming to make a run in the new statewide tournament. The Panthers have loaded up their regular season schedule to prepare for the rigors of the tournament with state powers Medfield, Lincoln-Sudbury, and St. John’s Prep among the teams that Franklin will challenge itself against to be ready to shoot for silverware this spring.

Franklin’s attack scored more than 300 goals in 19 games last season and should be just as dynamic this year with junior All-American Luke Davis joined by classmate Jayden Consigli, who were both in the top five in scoring in the league in 2021. Junior Tyler Sacchetti will be the third member of the attacking crew. Sophomore Drew Hansen and Ed O’Brien and junior John Walshe will make up the first midfield. Junior Justin Alexander was one of the best face-off middies in the state last year and the Panthers will be counting on him to control possessions again this season.

Senior Kyle Palmieri will lead the defensive group, which should once again be a challenge for the opposition to score against. Junior Ben Harvey and senior Billy Gardner will also be key players at close defense. Sophomore goalie Matt Corvi will step into the cage this spring and has the potential to be a standout.

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview

“Once again, we will have a very competitive team this spring with a very tough schedule,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi.




King Philip

2021 Record: 9-5
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Hal Bean
With more than a dozen players back in the fold from last year, King Philip is looking to take another step forward after posting a 9-5 record last year.

The Warriors have key pieces in the lineup all over the field, starting with senior goalie James Boldy. Boldy had a great campaign a season ago and will be among the top goalies in the league this year. He will work with fellow senior captain Will Weiblen and senior Shaun Fitzpatrick as the anchors of the King Philip defense.

There is a strong core of midfielders back in the mix this year, starting with returning faceoff specialist Thomas Brewster. He will be joined by a very experienced group that features seniors Ben Riggs, Sean McCarthy, Andrew Longobardi, Nolan Feyler,
Brayden Thompson, John Campbell, and Ian Hill, along with sophomore standout Noah Minkwitz. Riggs (31 points last year) will be one of the most dangerous two-way players in the league but KP has a lot of depth in the position.

Offensively, King Philip has Sean Crowther back in the fold, who was just one of six Hock players to reach the 40-goal mark on the season. He’s joined by Kip Bishop and Colin Lightbody, who both registered 19 points a year ago, as well as Colin Gillis and sophomore Donovan DeVellis.

“King Philip boys lacrosse expects to compete in every game and anticipates a productive season and playoff run,” said KP head coach Hal Bean “We all are looking forward to a fun season!”

Mansfield

2021 Record: 6-8
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South First Round
Coach: Tim Frias
With a handful of young faces fighting for spots in the lineup, Mansfield is hoping to pick up valuable experience early and make a late charge for a spot in the state tournament.

The Hornets do have some experience on the defensive side of the ball with Ryan DeGirolamo starting in the cage and senior captains Zander Holmes and Mark DiGirolamo patrolling the space in front of him. Mansfield has a handful of young poles that will be in the mix including Liam Barry, Patrick Gormley, Nolan Bordieri, and James DeGirolamo.

The group of upperclassmen will make up the majority of the field with senior Dash Munson joining a trio of talented juniors in Grady Sullivan, Drew Sacco, and Cody Gordon. The Hornets have a lot of young players looking to find spots in the midfield and lineup and general, and new names that could contribute early on include Aidan Steele, Jake Feinberg, and Liam Steele.

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview

In the attack, senior Jack Roberts will be accompanied by a pair of sophomores in Tommy Smith and Andrew Burnham.




Milford

2021 Record: 2-11
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Austin Costa
Under the guidance of new head coach Austin Costa, the Scarlet Hawks are aiming to show improvement throughout the season and set the program on an upward trajectory.

There is a strong mix of veteran leadership and new faces eager to find a spot in the lineup for Costa and the Scarlet Hawks this season. Senior captain Eric Landry is set to be the leader on the defensive end, and his experience will be key as Milford tries to fend off some lethal offenses. Landry will be joined by Brian Goncalves and junior Nick Casilli, both returners for the Scarlet Hawks. Defensive experience will be key as the Hawks turn to Alex McGuire for his varsity debut in the cage.

Offensively, look for veterans Jacob Ligor and Eric Farrell to be major contributors for the Scarlet Hawks. Both have a good amount of experience playing at this level and know what it takes to compete in the Hockomock League. Other returners for Milford include Kyle Donelan, Shawn O’Donnell, and Ronn Swineford while freshmen Alex Maietta and Jayden Martins have impressed early on and could be key contributors right away.

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview

North Attleboro

2021 Record: 7-8
2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Central/East Quarterfinal
Coach: Kevin Young
North Attleboro finished in a tie for third in the Davenport division last year and had an impressive playoff win over Belmont before being beaten by sectional finalist Medfield. The Rocketeers only graduated two players from last season’s team, so Big Red comes into the spring with big expectations of competing for a first league title since 2017 and being a threat in the state tournament.

The North attack should be an area of strength this season with seniors Matt Antonetti, Connor Ruppert, and Clayton Billingkoff all back up top. Antonetti led the team with 57 points in 2021. Juniors Jack Regan and Luke Ward have both had strong preseasons, while freshmen Ethan Gustafson and Brady Brackner could be poised for breakout debuts. Senior Jared Vacher will do his best to get as many possessions as possible for the North attack by winning draws.

North’s defense has plenty of experience as well. Senior Max Hobbs, Anthony Ferro, and James Brennan will get plenty of help from sophomore Connor Rajotte and junior LSM Julian House. The Rocketeers can also count on two experienced goalies with senior Ethan McGrath and junior JT Gallagher both back in the cage this spring.

“We know the Hockomock will be strong this year,” said North coach Kevin Young. “I am excited to watch this group compete and grow as a team.”

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview

Oliver Ames

2021 Record: 3-11
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Ben Devlin
Oliver Ames coach Ben Devlin stepped down after last season, but he was convinced to come back this spring to lead a young Tigers team. Twenty-four of the 34 players in the program this year are either freshmen or sophomores, so OA will be counting on younger players to step up across the field and Devlin is excited about the promise he sees during the preseason.

Senior midfielder Wyatt Fritchman and junior attacker Ben Reardon will be the leaders on offense. Fritchman was second on the team in scoring last year and Reardon went on a run of nine goals in the final three games of his sophomore season. Senior Wes Tower is back to run things in the midfield and sophomores Ryan Jaco and Alex McAndrew have the potential to find the back of the net.

On the other end of the field, senior Cam Tower has been converted to LSM this season. The other poles will be led by junior Jake Manthous, who also was in charge of the face-offs last year, and sophomore Landon Grothe. Junior Noah Isleib returns in goal to keep things organized on defense and sophomore Ethan St. Jean will be his backup.
 
“Despite being much younger, we are looking to improve on last year’s results and continue building the program,” said Devlin. “We expect to have some growing pains early in the season, but look to improve as the younger players get experience and develop their game during the season. It’s never easy to rebuild in a talented league like the Hock. There aren’t any easy games as every team is talented and well-coached…but we are setting our sights on winning enough games to reach the postseason.”

Sharon

2021 Record: 9-6
2021 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Jon Shocket
Sharon has a solid core back from last year’s nine-win team but without any juniors on the squad, there will be a lot of young players in the lineup with most getting their first taste of varsity lacrosse.

With over a half dozen seniors on the roster, head coach Jon Shocket will lean heavily on their veteran leadership and experience as the new players get integrated into the lineup and acclimated with the speed of the high school game. The senior trio of Ben Shocket, Brady Daylor, and Ryan Zunenshine are this year’s captains.

The other seniors on the team include Jace Nestler, Matt Mahoney, James Lillenfeld, and Chance Hanah, and all four will be vital as the Eagles make a push for the postseason. There are four freshmen already in the lineup including Matt Powers in net, Jordan Burke at attack, and Zach Bernstein and Ben Goldberg at defense. Sophomores Gabe Korn, Ryan Brown, Jacob Kaufman, and Ronin Widland will also be in the mix for the Eagles.

“I hope to get a lot of growth from our team as we get more experience,” Shocket said.

2022 Hockomock Boys Lacrosse Preview

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/04/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Baseball
Attleboro, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 5 – Final – In a back-and-forth contest, Oliver Ames senior Patrick Finnerty drove in the game-winning run with the bases loaded to give the Tigers the walk-off win over Attleboro. The visitors took the lead in the top of the first inning after stealing a pair of bases. Oliver Ames responded with three runs in the bottom of the third as Finnerty and Jake Waxman drew back-to-back walks with the bases loaded and Ian Kelly scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1. The top of the sixth inning saw Attleboro rally for three runs and go back ahead. In the bottom of the seventh, Nathanial Lewis and Nathan Carpentier walked and Joe Cicchetti was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. Kelly drew OA’s 10th walk to tie the game and then Finnerty delivered a single to center for the win. Junior Andrew Zagami earned the win in relief with six strike outs. Nick Clark allowed one run on one hit and four walks in four innings of work for OA.

Franklin, 7 @ Canton, 1 – Final – Franklin cashed in on a handful of extra base hits and senior Jacob Jette picked up where he left off last season on the mound in the Panthers’ win on the road. Jette didn’t allow an earned run in 5.1 innings of work, striking out five with two hits and two walks allowed. Jake Shaughnessy and Austin Campbell combined for 1.2 innings of scoreless relief. Offensively, Ryan Gerety (two hits, two runs, RBI) and Eisig Chin (two hits, two RBI, run) each had a triple while Chris Goode (RBI) and Evan Raider (run) each had a double. Jack Marino added an RBI and two runs and sophomore Henry Digiorgio had a hit and a run scored.

King Philip, 15 @ Foxboro, 6 – Final – Tied 3-3 after two innings, King Philip exploded for seven two-out runs in the top of the third inning and never looked back for a season-opening win over Foxboro. With the bases loaded and two outs in the third, Tommy Martorano singled to bring in Rudy Gately (two runs) and Matt DiFore. Eli Reed scored on a single from Travis Crawford (three hits, two runs, two RBI), and Shawn Legere (three RBI, four runs) tripled to clear the bases. Gately got the win on the bump, allowing five runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk, striking out nine. Matt Kelley, who drove in three runs with a pair of hits, struck out two in an inning of relief. For Foxboro, Ryan LeClair (RBI, two runs) and Sean O’Leary (two RBI) each had three hits, helping the Warriors take a 3-2 lead after an inning. Freshman Nolan Gordon had a strong showing in relief for Foxboro, allowing two runs (none earned) on one hit and two walks, striking out five in 2.1 innings of work.

Mansfield, 4 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final (13 inn.) – North Attleboro senior Brody Rosenberg drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the 13th inning and worked his way around the bases on a pair of errors, scoring the game-winning in a marathon game season opener for both teams. Mansfield opened the scoring with a run in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly from Jimmy Gilleran but North took control with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, an RBI single from Danny Curran, an RBI single from Rosenberg, and Curran scoring on a passed ball. Mansfield cut into the lead with a run in the third (Jake Maydak RBI) and a run in the fifth (Gilleran RBI single) to tie the game. The Hornets went ahead in the top of the sixth on a solo home run from Jared Fraone (3-for-3, three runs) to left field but North answered in the bottom half (Tyler Bannon sac fly) to make it 4-4. Sophomore Connor Curtis was stellar in relief for the Hornets, pitching seven innings with one (unearned) run allowed on three hits and no walks, striking out seven. Derek Maceda got the win for the Rocketeers with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit with a pair of strikeouts.

Sharon, 1 @ Milford, 8 – Final – Junior Tyler Caldon allowed just two hits and walked three while striking out nine to lead the Scarlet Hawks to a win over Sharon. Caldon allowed just one earned run in six innings of work for the win. Damien Carter, who tossed a scoreless inning in relief with one strikeout, had a pair of hits and two runs scored, Ian Carter went 4-for-4 with three RBI and one run scored, and Evan Cornelius added a pair of hits, a pair of runs scored and one RBI.

Stoughton, 1 @ Taunton, 12 – Final (5 inn.)








Softball
Oliver Ames, 1 @ Attleboro, 9 – Final – Lily Routhier made a big splash in her debut for the Bombardiers, getting the win in the circle as well as a big performance at the plate. She tossed a complete game with just one earned run allowed on two hits. At the dish, she went 4-for-4 with two runs scored. Sarah Mayer added three hits and scored twice while Rylie Camacho had one hit, reached twice more, and scored twice. For OA, Caitlin Miller went 2-for-3 with an RBI while Crystalia Covel scored a run and had a stolen base. Katie Melendy pitched five innings for OA with four runs allowed while Taylor Marino pitched the sixth inning with one run allowed.

Canton, 0 @ Franklin, 12 – Final (5 inn.) – Aislinn Lavery set the tone in the circle and at the plate for the Panthers, who opened the season with a big win over visiting Canton. Lavery allowed just one hit with six strikeouts in five innings of work, and then led off the game with a triple and scored on a fielder’s choice from Julia White. Carly Pellegri aded three hits, including a double, with four RBI and three runs scored, Katy Liberman had two hits, including a double, and two RBI, and Avery Chalk added two hits. Freshman Sarah Boozang had an RBI single to score Reece Allen (triple).

Foxboro, 0 @ King Philip, 3 – Final – Freshman Liv Petrillo’s first career hit proved to be a big one for King Philip, a triple in the bottom of the sixth that broke a scoreless tie and drove in the game-winning run. In a scoreless game in the bottom of the sixth, sophomore Taylor Regan slapped a double and senior Mia Bennett was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Petrillo drilled a line drive to right for a two-run triple to put KP ahead 2-0. Sophomore Maddie Paschke laid down the squeeze bunt to bring Petrillo in to make it 3-0. Senior Emma Sheehan tossed a complete game one-hitter for KP, striking out seven without issuing a walk. Foxboro freshman Vittoria Cuscia was impressive in the circle, holding KP without a run for the first five innings. She finished with seven strikeouts.

North Attleboro, 5 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final – Kelly Colleran went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI and Zoey McDonough struck out 12, as North pulled out a road win in the season opener. The Rocketeers opened the scoring with a three-run third. Colleran doubled to plate Julia Forman and Grace Simmons and then came home on a two-out single by Shaelyn Burns. Ally Levine led off the fifth with a double and scored on a two-run homer by Colleran, which turned out to be the game winner. Mansfield rallied with two runs in the fifth. Jill Koppy walked to lead off the inning and stole second. Bunts from Liv Madeira and Sydney Fernando loaded the bases and Callie Lake brought in a pair with a single. The Hornets loaded the bases again but couldn’t get a two-out hit to keep the rally going. Mansfield added a run in the bottom of the seventh. Fernando walked to get things started and Cat Kipp singled. Madeira drove in a run with a single. Casey Moussette and Alanna Conley reached on fielder’s choices to load the bases but again the Hornets weren’t able to get a two-out hit off McDonough. Amanda Schwarz made her varsity debut for Mansfield, striking out three and giving up eight hits. Emma Hanwell and Burns both made nice plays in the field to help the Rocketeers pull out the victory.

Sharon, 3 @ Milford, 4 – Final (8 inn.) – Milford rallied for two runs in the fifth inning to tie the game and then sophomore Maeve Williams delivered the game-winning hit with an RBI single to give the Scarlet Hawks a walk-off win in extra innings. Milford took a 1-0 lead in the second on a double from freshman Cae Pellegrini followed by a pair of sacrifice bunts. Sharon responded in the third and fourth to go ahead 4-1 before the Hawks brought the game level game. In the eighth, freshman Jianna Fernandes led off with a walk, stole second, and scored on Williams’ hit up the middle. Pellegrini and senior Gianna Cacciola both played well defensively while sophomore Maeve Driscoll got the win with five innings in relief, striking out eight with no earned runs allowed on four hits. Sharon’s Trinity Payne struck out 18 batters in the loss.

Stoughton, 0 @ Taunton 13 – Final (5 inn.) – Taunton got its offense going with three runs in the first inning and scored in each of the next three innings, including a seven-run bottom of the fourth to open the season with a big win. Junior Kaysie DeMoura (RBI, two runs) led the charge with three hits while classmates Ava Venturelli (two RBI, double, two stolen bases), Hayley Krockta, Kyleah Plumb (three RBI, triple, double), and senior Kylie Thorpe (triple, RBI) each had two hits. Senior Liv Mendonca struck out three with two hits allowed in four shutout innings while freshman Catherine Larson fanned one with one hit allowed in an inning of relief. Stoughton’s Sydney Menz had a double and a spectacular catch in center field, robbing the Tigers of a home run. Alyssa Edwards (double) and Maddie Hinds also had a hit for the Black Knights.




Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 22 – Final – Franklin exploded for nine goals in the opening quarter and never looked back in its first game of the season. Junior Jayden Consigli scored six goals and classmates Luke Davis and Tyler Sacchetti each added four apiece, all in the first half. Sophomore CJ Perro and junior Will Buckley each scored twice in the second half for the Panthers.

Canton, 16 @ Milford, 5 – Final – Canton’s Sam Carlino scored six goals and set up six more to lead the Bulldogs to a season-opening win on the road at Milford. Brendan Tourgee added four goals in the win along with one assist, Eddie Gillis scored a hat trick and added one helper, and Pat Drury (two goals, five assists) and Jeff Chaput (two goals, two assists) both had big games for the Bulldogs. Freshman Ben Miller played well in net, earning his first career win.

Foxboro, 7 @ North Attleboro, 9 – Final

Sharon, 1 @ King Philip, 13 – Final – King Philip raced out to a 7-0 lead by halftime and pulled away with six more goals in the second half to open the season with a win over Sharon. Ben Riggs paced the offense with three goals while Thomas Brewster, Sean Crowther, and Nolan Feyler each scored twice. James Boldy made 12 saves in net to earn the win for KP.

Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 21 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final

Milford, 8 @ Canton, 9 – Final – Canton built a 6-2 lead at halftime and then held off a second half comeback attempt from Milford to open the season with a win, the first for new head coach Casey Bradley. Allie McCabe scored twice and had an assist while Emily McCabe netted the game-winning goal. Elyse Broderick made seven saves in net for the Bulldogs. For Milford, Aislinn Bennett scored five goals, Emily Croteau had a pair of goals, and Carly Haley added one.

North Attleboro, 4 @ Foxboro, 19 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. Paige Curran and Mya Waryas each scored six goals, as Foxboro opened its season with a big win over a division rival. Curran, the league’s leading scorer from last year, added three assists and Waryas had one helper as well. Mary Collins chipped in with four goals and two assists, Valerie Beigel had a pair of goals, and freshman Cate Noone had a goal and an assist on her debut. Grace Riley, Kate Collins, and Nina Della Valle also scored for the Warriors. Lilli Jones made five saves to pick up her first win in goal. Ava McKeon and Morgan Eaton each scored twice for North.

King Philip, 17 @ Sharon, 0 – Final – Nine different Warriors found the back of the net as King Philip opened its season in style with a big win on the road over Sharon. Julia Marsden, Lily Brown, and Haley Izydorczak combined for 11 points in the win, Makenzie McDevitt scored a hat trick in the win and Ilah Weiblen and Abby MacDonald each scored once.

Oliver Ames, 19 @ Taunton, 2 – Final – Using a quick transition game and strong ball possession, Oliver Ames roared to a big season opening win on the road over Taunton. First year OA head coach Rylie Dalzell credited the attackers’ ride for causing a lot of turnovers that the visiting Tigers took advantage of. Jess Widdop and Claire O’Rourke combined for the win in net for OA. Casey O’Leary and Cali Melo each scored once for Taunton.




Boys Tennis
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Attleboro, 2 – Final – Sophomore Nicholas Westerbeke rallied from a one-set deficit to win two in a row to take the point at first singles and give Oliver Ames a 3-2 win over the Bombardiers. Westerbeke dropped the first set 4-6 but won 6-1, 6-0 to get the win. Kylash Gannesh (6-0, 6-1) and Raphael Vache (6-1, 6-2) won at second and third singles, respectively, for OA. Attleboro’s Tyler Rocchio and Kyle Neuendorf took first singles 6-3, 6-4 while Malachi Jefferson and Alex Suarez were victorious (6-1, 6-2) at second doubles.

Canton, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final – Canton took first and second singles in straight sets but Franklin won both doubles and third singles to get the win at home. Senior Drew Mahoney was the lone Panther to win in singles action, taking third singles 6-0, 6-3. The team of senior Tim O’Keefe and sophomore Ahan Shetty won 6-1, 6-1 at first doubles and the team of senior Sameen Shaik and sophomore Jay Gorgas secured a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles. Canton’s Max Kupferman won 6-4, 6-2 at first singles and Suraj Ramanthan took a 6-1, 6-1 decision at second singles.

Foxboro, 3 @ King Philip, 2 – Final – A sweep of singles action lifted Foxboro to a win over the road at King Philip to start the season. Garrett Spillane won in straight sets (6-1, 6-1) at first singles, Bo Canfield added a 6-2, 6-3 win at second singles, and Raj Jetty earned a 6-3, 6-4 win at third singles. KP’s Diego Nieto and Connor Sachleben rallied from a one-set deficit to secure a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win at first doubles while Adam Gousie and Noah Ihley grabbed a 6-2, 6-4 win at second doubles.

North Attleboro, 0 @ Mansfield, 5 – Final – Mansfield opened the season in style, taking all five matches in straight sets to knock off North Attleboro. Freshman Neema Khosravani was impressive in his first career match, winning 6-0, 6-3 at first singles, sophomore Kailash Elumelai secured a 6-1, 7-5 at second singles, and sophomore Iniyan Karruppusami added a 6-2, 6-1 win at third singles. The tream of senior Jonah Fine and junior Benson Delaney didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first doubles while junior Jesse Colchamiro and sophomore Nikhil Nain won 6-2, 6-2 at second doubles.

Sharon, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final – A trio of underclassman swept singles action for Sharon as the Eagles opened the season with a win on the road over Milford. Sophomore Matthew Lally, sophomore Alex Budovalcev, and freshman Jacob Slavsky all won 6-0, 6-0 in first, second, and third singles, respectively. In doubles action, seniors Mitch Weiss and Ruemon Bhattacharyya grabbed a 6-1. 6-0 win at first doubles, and the team of freshman Sava Kassev and junior Hyojae Park didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles.

Stoughton @ Taunton, 3:45

Girls Tennis
Attleboro, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final – In an incredible even match up, Oliver Ames emerged with a hard-fought win over a game Attleboro squad. The Tigers got wins in straight sets from Hannah Farber at first singles (7-5, 6-3) and Mia Corradini at third singles (6-3, 6-1). OA’s second doubles team of tri-captain Shelby Brass and Marina Mierzwinski grabbed a 6-0, 7-6 (7-1) for the Tigers’ second point of the match. Attleboro’s Madison Fuscaldo battled for a 6-3, 6-7 (10-12), 6-3 win in a marathon match at second singles, and the team of Tina Lam and Sahara Yusuf grabbed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3) win at first doubles.

Franklin, 3 @ Canton, 2 – Final – A sweep in doubles action plus a hard fought win at third singles gave the Panthers the close win on the road at Canton. Sarah Schiavo battled her way to a 6-4, 7-5 win at third singles to clinch the win for the Panthers. The team of Amulya Jayam and Shriya Rasish won 6-4, 6-3 at first doubles while Chloe Essam teamed up with Sydney Tolonen for a 6-1, 6-1 win at second doubles for the Panthers. Canton’s Camila Cutter earned a 6-1, 7-5 victory at first singles while Laura Correal prevailed from a well-played second singles match with a 7-6 (10), 6-4 win.

King Philip, 2 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final – Foxboro took a pair of wins from singles action and one more from doubles to get a win over King Philip. Athena Li (first singles) and Hailey Kornbluth (second singles) both won 6-0, 6-0 for the hosts while the team of Abigail Costa and Juliana Preston secured a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 win at first doubles for Foxboro. KP’s Sammie Taylor won 6-2, 6-2 at third singles and Caroline Frese teamed up with Lauren Caspter for a 6-4, 6-3 win at second doubles.

Mansfield @ North Attleboro, 3:45

Milford, 0 @ Sharon, 5 – Final – It was a clean sweep in the season opener for the Eagles, winning all five matches in straight sets against visiting Milford. Navya Shukla won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Ali Aguilar grabbed a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles, and Ritu Sreeram earned a 6-1, 6-1 win at third singles. Sharon’s first doubles team of Abby Vilk and Judy Song didn’t drop a set in a 6-0, 6-0 win while the team of Sasha Fein and Sophia Oh were victorious 6-1, 6-1 at second doubles.

Taunton, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 – Final – Taunton took two wins from each singles and doubles action to get a win on the road over Stoughton. Brooke Bell earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at second singles and Ava Alves grabbed a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles for the Tigers. The first doubles team of Morgan Smith and Sam Parrett prevailed 6-3, 6-2 for Taunton while Kelsey Brennan and Janelle Garcia won 6-3, 6-3 at second doubles. Stoughton’s Ally Lada emerged from a hard-fought singles match with a 7-5, 7-5 (10-8) win.

Boys Volleyball
Taunton, 0 @ Barnstable, 3 – Final

King Philip, 0 @ Medfield, 3 – Final – Freshman Jacob Moores had four blocks and senior Danny Alexandre added three more but the Warriors dropped their first match of the season on the road at Medfield.

Three-Peat Bid Dashed as Canton Falls to Tewksbury

Canton boys hockey
Canton junior Jack Digirolamo tries to redirect a shot in the second period against Tewksbury. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
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BOSTON, Mass. – Throughout its postseason run, Canton has been able to put teams on their heels almost from the drop of the puck and has mostly played from in front. On Saturday evening at the TD Garden, it was Tewksbury that got off to the quick start and the Bulldogs were never able to fully recover.

In a rematch of the 2019 Div. 2 title game, the Redmen came out with extra energy, scored twice in the first period and then held on in the third to secure a 3-1 win. Tewksbury clinched its first title since 2011, ended Canton’s win streak at 22 games, its postseason win streak at 13 games, and its bid at a third straight state championship.

“It was a heck of a hockey game,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “I think two of the better hockey teams in the state made it this far and Tewksbury came as advertised, outstanding team, especially on the back end, made it really hard to get any offense going in this game and then when you did get a couple opportunities against them their goalie made some great saves.”

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He added, “Incredibly proud of our guys battling. It could’ve unraveled there when we went down 2-0 but we fought.”

It didn’t take the top seed long to show its intent to put pressure on the Canton defense. Jason Cooke forced a turnover in the attacking zone and fired a shot that freshman goalie Colin Davis turned aside with his blocker.

A couple minutes later, the Redmen took the lead. Caden Connors split a pair of Canton defensemen to get in on goal. He dragged Davis away from the net with a nice deke and the loose puck was knocked into the empty net by Matthew Cooke.

Things seemed to be just a little bit off for the Bulldogs. Passes didn’t seem quite as crisp or as accurate and pucks just seemed to be rolling off the blade at crucial times. Still, Canton kept battling and trying to create chances. Eddie Gillis set up a couple of shots, one from the blue line for Ryan Doucette and another on the forehand for AJ Thoams but Benjamin O’Keefe saved them both.

Davis came up with a big save with four minutes left in the first, as he stayed strong to deny a point-blank tip from Jason Cooke. Canton picked up a penalty on the back check and Tewksbury took advantage of the extra skater to double the lead. Connors again showed off his stick skills, weaving his way through three players before dragging it to the backhand while falling and depositing it in the open net.

“They did exactly what you want to do in a game like that, which is get the puck in the other team’s zone and keep it there for a while,” Shuman said about Tewksbury’s fast start. “Our goalie made some big saves. They set the tone for the game and, when that happens, it takes a little while to claw back in it, but I thought we did.”

Canton had a couple of chances at the end of the first. Eamon Kelly took a hit and forced a blocker save out of O’Keefe from the slot and Brennen Pecararo tried to match Connors with a dangle through the legs of the defensemen but O’Keefe closed down the five-hole.

Although shots were nearly even in the first (10-9), Tewksbury seemed to be creating more clear-cut chances. That continued at the start of the second. Another turnover gifted Cooke with a chance from close range that Davis saved. Two minutes in, Justin Rooney had a shot deflected and Doucette had to clear the rebound from the crease.

Brendan Tourgee tried to get things going with a steal in the neutral zone and a shorthanded slap shot that was partially blocked and kicked away by O’Keefe. With seven minutes left in the period, Canton had a great chance to get back into the game. Patrick Drurry’s shot from the left wing boards was kicked right to the stick of Brian Middleton in the slot, but the sophomore’s wrister was snagged by O’Keefe’s quick glove.

There were signs that the Bulldogs had turned the tide a little and they got a huge opportunity with their first power play. Sean Connolly twice had shots from the point saved, despite Jack Digirolamo providing a net-front presence, and Kelly forced a save with a wraparound try. Pecararo then hit Thomas right on the edge of the crease but again the Tewksbury goalie was there.

Canton made the breakthrough midway through the third period. Gillis collected the puck in the slot and slid a perfect pass into the path of an onrushing Thomas, who slammed in a one-timer to cut the lead to 2-1 with 7:13 to play.

“AJ’s had a great year,” Shuman said. “I think he surprised some people early on but he didn’t surprise anyone in our locker room. He’s got such a quick shot and he’s truly talented around the net.”

The spark of life from Canton was short-lived. In fact, it was Tewksbury that seemed to get a boost. Tyler Barnes spun and fired off a quick shot that Davis did well to turn aside, Ryan Flynn jumped on a mistake to race in alone but smacked the bar, and then Barnes got behind the defense on another breakaway only for Davis to shut down the five-hole and keep the Bulldogs in it.

With Canton pressing forward in the final minute and the net empty, Connors was able to break free down the left wing and he sealed the win for the Redmen.

When asked what it meant to be back playing at the Garden, especially after the Bulldogs were denied that opportunity in 2020, Shuman said, “Give me this any day of the week, to be here and give the kids the chance to play in this wonderful place, this amazing venue, and it’s just great to be back playing postseason sports. There’s nothing like it.”

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Canton (22-3-1) has lost only four games in the past four seasons, including two unbeaten campaigns. In that span, the Bulldogs have won four league titles, extended their win streak in the Hockomock League to 43 games, won two state titles, made three state title game appearances, and compiled a remarkable record of 79-4-6.

“It’s a testament to the kids that we have,” Shuman said about the sustained success of the program. “You look up in the stands there and you see all these Canton youth hockey players and these younger players from Canton that dream about being out there and they work hard so that they can make it out there and they work hard so they can make our program great when they do make it here.

“I think it’s a community effort and a community love for the sport and I think it just feeds itself.”

With Fast Start Canton Reels in Another Garden Trip

Canton boys hockey
Canton players celebrate an early goal in front of their traveling fans at the Tsongas Center during the first period of the D2 semifinal. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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LOWELL, Mass. – It isn’t often that Canton goes into a game as an underdog, but with No. 2 seed Gloucester waiting in the Div. 2 semifinal at the Tsongas Center, the third-seeded Bulldogs knew that they were facing a battle-tested opponent with a strong resume.

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All of the concerns about the Fishermen were thrown overboard just five minutes into the first period when Canton stormed out of the locker room and scored four goals on their first seven shots. Behind two goals apiece from senior defensemen Sean Connolly and Brennen Pecararo, the Bulldogs rolled to a 6-3 victory and return to the TD Garden for the third straight season.

Canton, the two-time defending state champion, has now won 22 straight games this season (following an 0-2-1 start) and has won 13 straight in the playoffs dating back to the 2018 South semifinal.

“You have to just look at this crew and have so much respect for what they’ve done because they have big shoes to fill,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “We have some alums here right now that were part of those 2019 and 2020 [state title-winning] teams and they feel the pressure and I think they really did take it one game at a time. It’s not a cliche, just their approach to the game.

Connolly, who was a freshman on the 2019 team that played at the Garden, said, “It means everything. It’s what we all dreamed about as kids. Hoisting that trophy above your head is a memory that’s going to last a lifetime.”

When asked about getting back to the Garden after the pandemic took away that opportunity in 2020, Connolly replied, “It’s a redemption game. I remember sitting in a classroom, all of us bawling our eyes out. To get the chance to get right back at it, I can’t wait.”

Just seconds into the game, Gloucester looked like it might have the chance to grab the lead when Emerson Marshall got behind the defense but a strong back check helped dislodge the puck right before he was able to shoot. Things swung down the other end and it was Canton that grabbed the advantage. Pecararo, who joined the team after playing in juniors for three seasons, sniped a shot over Gloucester goalie Nick Tarantino’s shoulder on the first shot of the night.

Only 86 seconds later and the lead was doubled. This time it was Connolly, who limped off the ice two rounds ago after an injury in the closing minute against Plymouth North, throwing a puck at the net. It went through a crowd of bodies in front and past the unsighted goalie.

Before the Canton crowd had even settled down, the Bulldogs added another. Only 13 seconds into a power play (and 48 seconds after the second goal), Brendan Tourgee made a perfect angled pass from the left wing boards right to the stick of Connolly, who didn’t need a second touch, knocking his one-timer into the open net.

“Those two guys have played well all year long,” Shuman said about Connolly and Pecararo. “There are two guys who have been huge forces for us offensively, but most importantly defensively. Their game starts in the D zone out and I thought they played great defensively and generated some opportunities in the offense too.”

Things went from bad to worse for the Fisherman a little over a minute later. Tarantino made the initial stop by Eddie Gillis was on hand to collect the rebound and put it away. Even up 4-0, Canton didn’t stop, as Tourgee and Eamon Kelly forced Tarantino into good pad saves and AJ Thomas dragged his way past a defenseman and put a backhand off the goalie’s pads. Canton outshot Gloucester 18-5 in the first (41-21 for the night).

“We’ve been in a couple of those games over the years,” Shuman explained, “late round games that we start off really well and it’s great, don’t get me wrong, but you know that there is a lot of game left and they are a really, really good team. For our guys to come out and play with that kind of poise at the start was really awesome, I’m so proud of them.”

If the Fishermen though that the intermission would slow Canton down, Pecararo showed that was wishful thinking. He made a nice move to keep the puck in at the blue line and fed Thomas, who went top shelf to make it 5-0 less than 90 seconds into the period. With 8:55 left in the second, Pecararo doubled his tally for the night with a pinpoint shot from the point.

“He’s awesome, one of my best friends, and I was glad to get him back this year,” Connolly said of Pecararo. “We do well together and he’s a great addition to our locker room and on the ice.”

Throughout the postseason, Shuman has talked about teams playing with more urgency and desperation when trailing. Taking advantage of a power play, Gloucester started to find that sense of urgency and tallied twice in only 23 seconds to try and make a game of it. Joseph Orlando knocked in a rebound for the first and a nice pass across the crease from Jack Costanzo to Brett Cunningham accounted for the second.

Gloucester turned the tide in the final few minutes of the second and started to put pressure on freshman goalie Colin Davis, who made a series of big stops down the stretch despite the Fishermen throwing as many bodies at the net as possible. Davis made a big stop early in the third after a long rush by Costanzo and denied Colby Jewell on a point-blank stop to keep the four-goal lead.

As the third period wore on, Canton regained its footing and created a series of chances against Gloucester’s backup goalie Riley De Haan. Connolly’s shot forced a save and Jeffrey Chaput sent the rebound just wide. Another Connolly shot was tipped in front by Sam Carlino, but the goalie stayed with it. Tommy Phaneuf had a wrap around try stopped by the goalie’s toe.

Although Gloucester would get a third on a Costanzo power play goal with less than a minute remaining, Canton was able to celebrate another victory and another trip to a state final. It is a special moment for a team that missed out on a chance to skate at the Garden two years ago.

“I think it’s exciting just to be back out there in the playoffs,” said Shuman. “Last year, we were so lucky just to be out there skating and this is great. You cannot beat a playoff high school sports season.”

Canton (22-2-1) will take on top seed Tewksbury in the final, in a rematch of the 2019 championship game that the Bulldogs won 6-2 to complete an unbeaten season. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 3:15 at the TD Garden.

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Thomas Nets Twice, Canton Continues Title Defense

Canton Boys Hockey
Brennen Pecararo celebrates after putting Canton up two goals against Plymouth North in the D2 Sweet Sixteen. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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CANTON, Mass. – It took a few minutes for Canton to find its footing in Wednesday night’s Div. 2 Sweet Sixteen matchup with No. 14 seed Plymouth North at the Canton Ice House. The Bulldogs found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-on-3 power play and their play didn’t have its typical sharpness.

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But, the Bulldogs still found the breakthrough midway through the first and then took full control of the game with a two-goal burst in the final minute of the period, including a goal from AJ Thomas with no time on the clock. That surge turned out to be decisive, as the two-time defending state champs would hold off the Eagles for a 4-1 victory.

Canton extended its win streak this season to 20 games and its playoff win streak to 11 games, going back to the D2 South semifinal in 2018.

“It started off well and then some penalties and stuff that kind of took us out of our rhythm, but they’re a good team,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “They worked hard from start to finish and they played with more of a sense of urgency when they were down but we had our chances. We had plenty of chances and their goalie played very well.”

The game got off to a sluggish start in part because, before either team had gotten into a flow, there were three penalties called in the opening four minutes. Canton was spent almost 90 seconds down two players, but managed to kill off the Plymouth North power play and keep the game scoreless. It was a big early boost.

“Credit to our guys killing off that 5-on-3, that was huge,” said Shuman. “You still see some nervous energy out there with some of our younger guys and we just have to battle through it and not find ourselves in the penalty box early in the game. Credit to our PK team, they did a great job killing those early ones off.”

Patrick Drury had one of the few good chances early in the game for Canton when his shot from the right wing circle forced a pad save out of Kaden Bono. About two minutes later, Canton had the lead. Eddie Gillis blocked a clearance in the slot, spun quickly and snapped off a shot that went inches wide. The Bulldogs kept battling to keep the puck in deep and Gillis wound up in the right spot to jam in a shot at the near post.

Things started to click into gear as time went on in the first. James Young made a nice pass up the far boards into the path of Andrew Valkanas, who raced down the left wing and forced another good pad save from Bono.

Canton’s best passing move of the night led to the second goal. Brendan Tourgee drove forward through the neutral zone and flipped a pass out to the left to Eamon Kelly, who in turn dropped a pass into the path of defenseman Brennen Pecararo. The senior, who played juniors for his first three seasons and started the season as a forward, smashed his one-timer past Bono.

“As soon as we moved him back to D, the third or fourth game, things have really settled down back there,” Shuman said of Pecararo. “He’s just a really strong defender but he sees the ice really well, can move the puck, and he’s been a real offensive and defensive strength for us this year.”

The Bulldogs beat the buzzer to add to the lead. Brian Middleton took a perfect outlet pass right down the middle but his breakaway opportunity was denied by Bono. Thomas was hustling to follow up the play and he was able to collect the rebound and snipe the top far corner just before the horn sounded.

Leading 3-0, Canton could’ve relaxed but the Bulldogs came out aggressive to start the second. Jay Kelleher held a puck in at the blue line and set up Thomas going to the net only for Bono to make a good stop.

Three minutes into the second, Thomas had another chance saved. The loose puck popped out to Pecararo pinching in but his shot just missed the open net. Thomas continued to fight for the puck on the side of the net and roofed a shot for his second and the team’s fourth.

Valkanas teed up Tourgee for a quick release shot that forced a pad stop from Bono and Pecararo later kept a puck in the zone to set up Thomas for a chance at a hat trick but the Eagles’ goalie made another good save.

The visitors would be outshot 32-19 for the game but weren’t without chances of their own. Evan Hallissey and Kevin Norwood both gave the Canton defense some issues with their speed but freshman Colin Davis continued to be a rock in goal, denying the Eagles from close range on several chances over the final two periods.

Plymouth North did get some momentum before the end of the second. Josh Bates had a steal at the blue line and raced forward for a shorthanded breakaway and he ripped it high to the glove side to make it 4-1.

Rather than let the Eagles build on that momentum in the third, Davis and the Canton defense were able to largely keep things tight in the defensive zone and the attackers were able to keep pressure down the other end of the ice.

There weren’t a lot of great chances for Canton, Valkanas had one shot saved and nearly connected with Tourgee right in front and Kelly forced a nice blocker save after a steal, but the Bulldogs remained in control throughout.

Shuman explained, “Those games are often tough, when you get up early on a team, desperation kicks in on their side, they really elevate their game, and that’s what happened to Plymouth North. They really elevated their game in the second and third period, in particular, and I thought our guys did a good job of still controlling the play and getting some chances.”

Canton (20-2-1) will face No. 6 seed Walpole in the D2 quarterfinal at a date, time, and location to be determined.

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Tourgee, Blake Net Canton Comeback Win Against KP

Canton boys hockey
Sophomore Brendan Tourgee (13) celebrates the game-tying goal with less than three minutes remaining in the third period, helping Canton to a come from behind win over King Philip. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

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CANTON, Mass. – Despite Canton dominating play in the third period and holding King Philip to just two shots in the final 15 minutes, the Warriors went into the final three minutes holding onto a one-goal lead. It would be a rare win for KP in the series, a rare win for any Hockomock League team against the Bulldogs, and a chance to take a big early step towards a second straight league title.

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But, there is a reason that Canton went into Wednesday night’s game at the Metropolis Rink having won 36 straight league games. The Bulldogs scored a pair of goals in 1:39, completed a comeback after being down two goals twice in the game, and pulled out a dramatic 4-3 victory.

“It’s huge for our psyche,” Canton coach Brian Shuman said. “It’s good for our guys to see that they can come from two goals down. Hopefully they’re not in that position too often, but it’s still good to build that mental toughness.”

After the game, KP coach Paul Carlow rued the missed opportunity to grab a lead in the Kelley-Rex division, even if it is just three games into the league campaign.

“They pinned us in in the third,” he explained. “They outshot us and outplayed us in the third period. Instead of continuing to take it to them, it felt like we were more trying to hang on. That never works.”

It was all KP at the start of the game. The Warriors came out flying and needed only 27 seconds to pick up the opening goal. Shaun Fitzpatrick did good work down the right wing, driving at the net and drawing a couple of Canton defensemen. He flipped the puck out in front to Sean Crowther, who sent the puck through a crowd of legs across the crease where James Boldy was standing all alone to tap into the empty net.

Rather than being a wake up call for the home team, the goal seemed to spur the Warriors on for more. Fiztpatrick collected the puck against the right wing boards and turned towards goal. He had a free path right at Canton goalie Aiden French (18 saves) and stuffed the puck under the pads to make it 2-0 less than six minutes in.

Shuman said, “KP does a great job of getting pucks and bodies to the net and you saw that on the first goal. That’s their bread and butter and we struggled with that mightily tonight. We just weren’t tough enough out in front, we were puck watching, and losing guys. They play a tough brand of hockey.”

KP got a chance on the power play midway through the first and Max Robison forced French into a tough save on a shot from the point. Canton cleared the rebound. It was one of a couple chances that the Warriors had to try and extend the lead, but the Bulldogs held on and got the kill.

Only 13 seconds after getting back to even strength, Canton was on the board. AJ Thomas’ pressure on the forecheck caused a turnover in the attacking zone. His first shot from point-blank range was stopped by KP goalie Kyle Abbott (28 saves) but Thomas stuck with it and knocked in the rebound, cutting the lead in half.

The goal seemed to give Canton momentum, as the Bulldogs went into the locker room on the front foot, but it didn’t carry over to the second period. Only nine seconds elapsed before KP added a third. Boldy snapped off a wrsiter just as he was entering the zone on the left wing and French appeared to be unsighted as the puck flew under the bar on the stick side.

“We had some really good chances and then didn’t convert,” said Carlow. “Canton had the momentum off the kill and then I think they scored the very next shift and now it’s a one-goal game. We got a goal to start the second and I think we just kind of ran out of gas.”

Canton needed a spark. Sophomore Brendan Tourgee nearly had a quick response when he sailed into the zone, split a pair of defensemen and got off a backhand shot from a tight angle that Abbott kept out. Sam Carlino had a partial break for the Bulldogs but Robison hustled back to get a piece of the shot from the right face-off dot.

The Bulldogs were able to cut into the lead midway through the second. After a couple of shots from the point by Sean Connolly that Abbott pushed aside, they swung it across the blue line to Ryan Doucette. His shot was heading wide of the post but sophomore Brian Middleton was able to get a telling touch on it to sneak it past Abbott low at the near post.

“To get one there was big and that line of Middleton, (Patrick) Drury, and Blake continue to get it done and I think our other guys can learn a little bit from them because they’re having success and getting big goals just by getting to the tough, dirty areas,” said Shuman.

KP tried to hold on in the third, blocking shots and trying to keep the Bulldogs away from the crease. Eddie Gillis nearly set up Thomas for a tying goal, but Abbott stayed with the tip in front and kept it out. Tourgee then showed off his strength on the puck, holding off two defensemen to allow the Bulldogs to get back onside and then turning into the zone, forcing Abbott into a good save with his shoulder.

Connolly had another shot from the point that forced Abbott into a save. Tommy Phaneuf corralled the rebound in front but was pressured off the puck and couldn’t get a shot on target.

While the chances were piling up, the clock was winding down. Finally, with 2:42 to play. Tourgee found the back of the net. He dragged the puck through a stick check on the left wing boards and then angled towards goal. His backhand shot through the crease somehow snuck through a thicket of legs and found the far corner.

“He’s so gifted on the puck,” Shuman said of Tourgee. “He’s strong on the puck, he’s fast, he’s just got a nose for the net. I think he’s got to trust getting pucks to the net instead of always trying to pick those corners because you can see how offensively gifted he is.”

The pressure continued, as Canton outshot KP 13-3 in the final period. With 1:03 to go, the Bulldogs got the winner. Brennen Pecararo dropped a pass back to sophomore Colin Blake and he pounced on the chance in the slot, slamming the puck into the back of the net.

KP had one last look with the goalie pulled and less than 10 seconds on the clock, but Brad Guden’s shot from the point hit a body to the side of the post and ricocheted into the corner.

“We just got off to a tough start this year with injuries and illness,” Carlow said. “I think we had eight out sick the first week of the season, so we got off to a tough start and we’re just trying to get rolling.”

Canton (4-2-1) will be back home on Saturday afternoon to face Mansfield, which was the last team to hand the Bulldogs a league loss back in February 2017. King Philip (2-4-1) returns to Canton on Saturday night, this time at the IcePlex, to take on Archbishop Williams.

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2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

Attleboro

2020-2021 Record: 1-8-0
Coach: Greg Chamberlain
Attleboro had a difficult 2020-21 season, as delays and big breaks early in the season led to three games in three days to close things out. The Bombardiers will be hoping that they can build off that experience and make a push to get back into the postseason mix with several underclassmen stepping in to supplement the returning corps.

The offense has depth to it this season and head coach Greg Chamberlain is expecting a lot of grit and effort in the attacking zone to create scoring chances. Senior Nate Parker will be the leader of the forward line but he will get help from juniors Colin Flynn and Mike Lachance, who have both had two seasons on varsity already. Freshmen Austin Bessette and Nate Conroy have impressed the coaches in the preseason and could be ready to contribute right away.

Defense could be a strong unit this season, as the Bombardiers have decent skaters and decent depth along the blue line. Senior Sean Marshall will be the key to that group, providing on-ice leadership. Sophomore Dane Holske had a good first season on varsity and can help out both in defense and at forward. Senior Nick Piazza is capable of being one of the top netminders in the league and will be back between the pipes for Attleboro this season.

“Biggest thing that is a positive for us is the guys wanna earn some respect and be tough to play against,” said Chamberlain. “We understand what we have but we think our schedule can help us gain some real confidence.”

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

Canton

2020-2021 Record: 11-0-1
Coach: Brian Shuman
The Davenport division has been ruled by Canton, which has won the title every season since the league split. The Bulldogs bring back a lot of returning players to hunt a 12th straight league title and defend the Div. 2 state title that they won back in 2019-20, but for many of the players, this will be their first season with a full slate of games.

Canton is known for its goalscoring, but the Bulldogs typically start from the defensive zone and this year should be no different. Senior Sean Connolly, the reigning league MVP, will be back at the blue line alongside classmate Ryan Doucette. Juniors James Young and Leo Owens should also see plenty of time on the ice with seniors Brennen Pecararo and Jay Kelleher slotting in at defense or at forward. The goalie job is up for grabs coming into the season with a three-way battle going on between senior Aiden French, junior Carson Eagles, and freshman Collin Davis.

As usual, the Bulldogs should be potent in front of the goal this winter. Senior Eamon Kelly, the team’s leading scorer last year, is back for his fourth season on varsity. Seniors Andrew Valkanas, Tommy Phaneuf, Sam Carlino, and Eddie Gillis will all chip in and junior Jeff Chaput could be poised for a big season after scoring 13 points last year.

“Solid team defense is the expectation as always this season, and we ask all positions to be important players all over the ice,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “Our forwards need to be able to shut down opponents and our defense must contribute to our offensive production to have a successful year.”

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

Foxboro

2020-2021 Record: 4-6-0
Coach: Mark Cedorchuk
Just two years removed from one of the best seasons in program history, Foxboro comes into the winter with an experienced squad, featuring nine seniors, to try and make another push for a state tournament berth. Although the Warriors went 4-6 in the shortened 2020-21 season, four of those losses were against Franklin and Canton and the other two were to North Attleboro by a combined three goals, so there is potential for the Warriors to get back to their 2019-20 form.

The forward line should have plenty of firepower this season with the return of seniors Jack Watts, Matt Grace, and Ben Ricketts, who combined for 13 goals in 10 games last year. Fellow forwards Derek Axon and Steven Bridges will give Foxboro good leadership and depth in the forward line. The Warriors also got plenty of scoring from the blue line, with senior Tom Marcucella adding four goals and three assists last winter.

Improvements in the defensive zone (and not playing almost every game against the league’s top-scoring teams) will be expected this season. Marcucella is listed as a defenseman but has the versatility to line up in multiple positions and he will be helped on defense by classmates Dylan Pothier and Brady Callahan. Junior Alex Coviello and sophomore Sully Kenneally are also going to step into bigger roles on the blue line this season.

“I would say all nine of our seniors are going to be major contributors and that’s definitely a first for Foxboro hockey and it’s a good thing!” said Foxboro coach Mark Cedorchuk. “I would say we will be skilled and experienced.”

Franklin

2020-2021 Record: 10-2-1
Coach: Anthony Sarno
This will be a new-look Franklin team that takes the ice this season, looking to win its 11th straight league title and make a deep run in the postseason. The Panthers graduated 16 seniors from last year’s team and only return seven players with significant varsity experience to try and manage a schedule loaded with some of the best teams in the state.

Senior forward Dylan Marchand is the key returning player in the forward line. The team’s leading scorer last year, the speedy center scored eight goals and nine assists in 13 games. Seniors Justin Magazu and Domenic Lampasona and juniors Ben Jarosz and Ryan Sicchio will also return to add more firepower to the attacking end of the ice. With 14 new players on the roster, there could be a lot of new names on the score sheet this winter.

Defensively, the Panthers will lean on experienced players like seniors Aidan Hunt and Jack MacKinnon to guide the younger players, as they take on the high-end talent that Franklin will face right from the start of the season. In goal, sophomore Cole Pouliot-Porter and freshman Jack O’Connor will both get chances between the pipes.

“I am optimistic with the youth we have and excited to watch us grow together,” said Franklin coach Anthony Sarno. “We will just have to weather the ebbs and flows, try to remain even-keeled, communicate, and trust each other as a team in order for us to grow and move forward as a complete unit.”

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

King Philip

2020-2021 Record: 9-1-0
Coach: Paul Carlow
Last season, King Philip won a share of its first league title since 2006, picking up a rare win against rival Franklin in the process. With 12 returning players and a roster that has 16 upperclassmen, the Warriors will try to make more history by winning back-to-back titles for the first time in program history and also put together a run in the state tournament.

There are four players coming back this year that averaged a point per game in 2020-21. Three of those players are forwards. Seniors Shaun Fitzpatrick and Sean Crowther and junior James Boldy, who combined for 15 goals and 22 assists in 10 games last season. Senior Nolan Feyler will be a big boost, as the forward had a strong sophomore season but missed all of last year due to an injury. Senior Kevin Birenbaum is another of the nine seniors on the forward line.

Sophomore defenseman Brad Guden is the fourth Warrior who averaged a point per game last year. He broke into the lineup and scored 10 times and had 10 assists in his first varsity season. Seniors Nolan Jackson and Quin Garstka add leadership and experience at the blue line and sophomore Max Robison returns after an impressive rookie season. Senior Kyle Abbott will be back between the pipes for the Warriors.

“We have a tough schedule this season but we are looking to challenge for another Hockomock League title,” said KP coach Paul Carlow. We have great leadership from our seniors and a good mix of skill and speed with the younger players. I’m really looking forward to working with this group and build on last year’s success.”

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

Mansfield

2020-2021 Record: 5-6-0
Coach: Mike Balzarini
With its top six forwards all back from last year, there is optimism that Mansfield will consistently put the puck in the back of the net and in turn, challenge for the Kelley-Rex division title.

And another big positive for the Hornets is junior Chris Hormann back between the pipes with a solid amount of varsity experience now under his belt. That combination of experience in the offensive zone and in the crease is what Mansfield is hoping translates to success. The challenge will be getting a new mix of defensemen working together as the Hornets graduated the majority of that unit.

Leading scorer Mark DeGirolamo returns with a lot of varsity experience under his belt, coming off a season with eight goals and five assists. He’s joined by Dillon Benoit (7 goals, 5 assists), Kyle Oakley (2 goals, 5 assists), Doherty (2 goals, 3 assists), Liam Anastasia (6 goals, 5 assists), and Brayden Purtell (4 goals, 2 assists). As the stats suggest, the Hornets have a very even top two lines which means head coach Mike Balzarini can trust both units to get it done.

Looks for the line of Cullen Egan, Cody Gordon, and Connor Davey to provide energy and some offensive punch throughout the season. Balzarini is looking for some new faces to step up on the blue line. A mix of depth pieces are back, and the Hornets have converted some forwards to defensemen looking to solidify that unit. Patrick Gormley, Brendan Flynn, Will Cameron, Ryan DeGirolamo, and Ty Carroll are all in the mix to get some minutes.

“Last season was difficult for everyone so we’re excited for a more normal year,” Balzarini said. “We’re going to be quick and we have multiple lines that can be a factor for us. We’ve seen some success on offense in our scrimmages so scoring should be a strength, these kids are working well together.”

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

North Attleboro

2020-2021 Record: 8-6-0
Coach: Kyle Heagney
North Attleboro returns 14 players from last year’s roster, including two of the league’s top three scorers, and the Rocketeers will be looking to use that experience under first-year coach Kyle Heagney (who formerly coached Norton and was a North assistant the past two seasons) to challenge Canton at the top of the Davenport division and to put together a playoff run.

Although the Rocketeers bring back senior forwards Nik Kojoain and Brady Sarro, who combined for 41 points in 14 games last year, North is a team built on hard work and team effort in the offensive zone, rather than on individual stars. Seniors Sam Clarke and Nick Longa and juniors Joe Quinn and Mark Ayvazyan will provide plenty of help in front of goal and all have plenty of experience at the varsity level.

North graduated only one of its defensemen from last year. Senior Austin Comery will be the leader for North at the blue line and he will be assisted by classmate Anthony Westcott. Sophomore Kyle Gruber is back in goal for North after an impressive debut season, where he was thrown in against some of the league’s top teams, including a first appearance against Canton.

“Our strength is that we are not a team of superstars,” said Heagney. “We are a team of hockey players that will win first in the locker room before the ice. We look forward to the season and having fun. These are memories that will live forever with our players.”

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

Oliver Ames

2020-2021 Record: 1-10-0
Coach: Mike Zucarelli
Oliver Ames has been in a rebuilding phase under head coach Mike Zucarelli. The Tigers won just once in the shortened 2020-21 season and head into this winter with a roster loaded with underclassmen. While this may be a difficult season, Zucarelli is excited for the potential on his team and the growth the program is making for the future.

Seniors Cam Tower and Eliot Cohen will be instrumental in shoring things up at the blue line. The two defensemen will need to provide leadership for the younger players and help limit the opposition scoring chances. Junior forwards Sean McCarthy and Jack Perron will hope to improve the team’s scoring punch as well, after OA was held to 10 goals in 11 games last year. Zucarelli is already seeing more confidence and better decision-making in the offensive zone and is hoping the team’s work rate will lead to more chances.

With seven sophomores on the roster, OA will rely on its youth movement to turn things around. After a lot of growth in the offseason (both physically and mentally), Zucarelli thinks that the septet is ready for the challenges of playing varsity hockey day-in, day-out. Winger Andrew Livingstone and center Matt Lawson will add to the team’s production in the offensive zone and defenseman Landon Grothe could be a standout in the defensive end of the ice. Junior Brandon Burke had a solid summer with his club team and will be the starting goalie for the Tigers this winter.

“If we continue to put in the effort I have seen both on and off the ice to start this year, I believe these young men have the opportunity to do something special,” Zuccarelli said.

2021-2022 Hockomock Boys Hockey Preview

Taunton

2020-2021 Record: 0-6-1
Coach: Kris Metea
Taunton had a tough 2020-21 season, as the Tigers were only able to six games, and come into a winter of transition. The roster is going to be very young, with only nine upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) in the program, so there will be a lot of younger players getting their first taste of varsity action and others experiencing a full season for the first time.

The forward line has a lot of speed and the Tigers are going to rely on that energy to try and create scoring chances. Senior Nathan Fernandes is the most experienced forward returning and he will be joined up top by junior Connor McGrath.

Defensively, the Tigers will be an inexperienced group but there is potential and the desire to get better over the course of the season. Senior Ethan Ross will be the leader at the blue line and junior Colton Scheralis can add his experience there as well. Freshman Cameron Tomaszycki will be jumping between the pipes this season to get his first varsity action.

“We are happy to be back for a full year,” said Taunton coach Kris Metea. “Last season was full of delays, pauses, and feelings of frustrations that made for a very long, short, season. The lessons learned from last season has made the players within the program grateful for a return to a more normal season. We will plan to improve every day and be a better, more complete team by the end of the season.”

Canton and Franklin Skate Away With a Point Apiece

Franklin Boys Hockey
Canton and Franklin boys hockey renewed their rivalry at Metropolis Rink and the rivals battled to a 2-2 tie with all the goals coming in the second period. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


CANTON, Mass. – Even in the most irregular of seasons, Canton and Franklin’s rivalry on the ice matters.

When the two teams met on Thursday night at the Metropolis Rink, the game had no bearing on either winning yet another league title and neither team was preparing for its typical postseason run. But, regardless of the circumstances, both teams skated a little faster and things were a little more intense because of who was on the opposite bench.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Five days ago, Franklin battled back to tie the game only for Canton to score a late winner. On Thursday, nothing could separate the two teams. Twice Franklin went in front and twice Canton found the tying goal. The teams skated to a 2-2 tie, with all four goals scored in the second period.

“We were on the phone for hours one night figuring out how to do this in a shortened season,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “I know the kids appreciated it immensely on both teams.

“That’s the best team we’ve faced all season and they’re one of the best teams in the state with their skill and their speed. A lot of our guys have never experienced this rivalry before at this level and I’m really proud of them for how they battled.”

Both teams flew out of the gates and the action was end-to-end. Even if the scoring chances were limited in quantity, there were high quality opportunities for both teams to break the deadlock.

“You’ve kind of got to bring yourself back down a little bit because everybody’s amped up tp play,” said Franklin coach Anthony Sarno.” Our guys have a ton of respect for those guys and those guys have a ton of respect for us, coaches included, and it’s just good hockey all-around.”

He added, “A season without Canton, wouldn’t have been a season.”

The Panthers had a good early chance with a quick breakout. Joe LeBlanc’s outlet pass from the defensive zone hit fellow defender Justin Abely, who redirected it to Dylan Marchand. Canton goalie Liam Polles (23 saves) made the first stop and then was able to get a block on Justin Magazu’s follow up chance on the rebound.

Eddie Gillis forced a pad save from Franklin netminder Gary Mandia (21 saves) with a deflected shot. Sam Carlino nearly created a great opening for Dylan Coyne right in front of goal, but the Franklin defense managed to get a block and then the loose puck slid away from the stick of Leo Owens at the post.

Magazu was able to open a lane for Domenic Lampasono, but Polles stayed strong and was able to stop the close-range chance.

“They’ve got a lot of quick forwards, lot of speed, so we were just trying to step up and play between the dots, take away the bodies and make them dump the puck in,” Sarno explained. “Neutral zone, we weren’t trying to play with it too much, short passes. In this rink, any turnover in the neutral zone and it’s a breakaway and if anyone can exploit that it’s Canton.”

It was a defensive-zone turnover that would lead to the opener. Just 90 seconds after the intermission, a reverse pass caromed off the end boards and right out in front to Aidan Hunt. Polles nearly made a great save. He was able to catch the one-time, but as he was scrambling across goal to get in position he was deep in the crease and he ended up on the wrong side of the goal line.

Momentum from the goal didn’t last long. It only took a minute for the Bulldogs to even things up. Sean Connolly’s shot from the point was parried by Mandia, who somehow saw the puck through the crowd in front. Franklin wasn’t able to clear the rebound, with Andrew Valkanas keeping it alive and getting it back to Connolly at the blue line. The second shot had eyes and snuck through traffic and into the back of the net.

Seconds after Mandia was able to deny Tommy Phaneuf what looked like a sure goal, the visitors regained the lead. Magazu raced down the left wing and flipped a pass across the slot to Marchand at the far circle and his one-timer gave Polles no chance, sneaking inside the post.

This time, the lead lasted seven minutes before Canton again found an equalizer. Valkanas created the chance by teeing up Jeffrey Chaput. Mandia made the blocker save but Valkanas was there for the rebound.

Things tightened up in the third period, as neither team wanted to take a big risk that could lead to a winning goal for their opponents. Mandia was forced into a good save on Phaneuf and Lampasona dug out the rebound, but Canton was noticeably tiring in its second game in as many days.

“We exerted so much energy in the first and second periods and in the third, credit to them, they were flying and still had their legs and we were hanging on,” said Shuman. “Classic Franklin/Canton game. Comes down to the third period and the last minutes and so happy we had a chance to experience it this year.”

Franklin still had its legs and created a couple of chances that could’ve won it. Magazu was a constant thorn in the Canton defense’s side and he somehow split a pair of defensemen at the blue line, drew a third, and laid a pass off to Lampasona, who missed the net from close range.

With five minutes to play, Marchand got free in the zone and fired a shot that Polles stopped at the near post. Marchand stayed with the rebound and set up Magazu right in front, but again the Canton goalie came through with a big save to preserve a point.

“They played hard this year,” Sarno said. “We didn’t know if we were going to have the season, then we were, then we weren’t. Hats off to the boys, they fought through some adversity.”

Canton (9-0-1), which remarkably has lost one game in the past three seasons combined, will close out its league campaign against Oliver Ames and Foxboro. Franklin (10-2-1), which has clinched at least a share of the Kelley-Rex title, closed out its season on Thursday.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Chaput Snipe Lifts Canton to Win Against North

Canton boys hockey
Sophomore Jeffrey Chaput celebrates his second period goal that turned out to be the game-winner for Canton against North Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


CANTON, Mass. – North Attleboro got bodies in the way all game long, not letting pucks get through on goal, but sometimes it only takes a sliver of space to find the back of the net.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Sophomore Jeffrey Chaput got that one chance in the second period and buried it in the top corner and it turned out to be all that the Bulldogs would need. Canton added an empty net goal in the final minute and skated to a 2-0 victory over North Attleboro that puts the teams in a tie for first in the Davenport division.

“North Attleboro does a great job blocking shots, they always have,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “They sell out, they take away the shooting lanes. Also a failure on our part, too many shots above the knees, which are the easiest shots to block. We have to keep it low, along the ice, and find shooting lanes. Stop trying to go top shelf on their goalie and try to create more rebound opportunities.”

It was an even game, despite Canton’s edge in shots on goal. Both teams came out flying and the Bulldogs showed no rust from having a week off between games.

Shuman explained, “We’ve been fortunate enough to be skating normally, so I think that in itself is keeping us in a good flow and a good rhythm. We’re just lucky to be playing right now because there are a lot of teams that unfortunately aren’t.”

Jack Digirolamo sprung Brendan Tourgee down the left wing for an early chance that was saved by North goalie Kyle Gruber (23 saves). Andrew Valkanas stayed with the puck after his initial shot was blocked and had a good look coming off the right wing boards, but again Gruber stood tall.

The chances kept coming for Canton in the first. Digirolamo had a shot blocked in front and the rebound fell to Tourgee at the post, but the freshman forward was denied by the freshman goalie’s pad. AJ Thomas had another chance between the circles with a quick spin and shot but Gruber, who was making his first varsity start, was again equal to it.

“Why not?” chuckled North coach Ben McManama when asked about having his goalie make his debut against the Bulldogs. “I was a little worried about doing that but you can tell he’s a tough kid mentally and you know what? You’re going to have to learn sometime and we thought it would be good experience for him.”

North started to get more looks in the offensive zone as the first period wore on. Charlie Connolly angled a shot from the right point that was tipped in front by Joe Quinn, but went just wide of the post. In the final seconds of the first, Nik Kojoian pushed towards goal from the left circle but was denied at the post by Canton goalie Liam Polles (15 saves).

Despite starting on the kill, Canton dominated zone time in the second, keeping North pinned back in its defensive zone. Even with all that pressure, it was North that had the edge in shots on goal (6-5) in the period. The Rocketeers defensemen continually got in the way of shots and kept Canton out of the middle.

“It can be a little deceiving sometimes,” said McManama. “There may be a lot of zone time, but are we giving up quality shots? I think we didn’t give up too many except for the goal they scored. They did a good job of keeping everything to the outside and our goalie did a great job and we also helped him out.”

Jake Gruber had a good chance for North when he forced a turnover near his own blue line and then forced a blocker save from Polles on the other end of the ice. Mark Ayvazyan almost had a breakaway for the Rocketeers, but pulled up short of the crease to avoid a defenseman and then fired just wide.

By that point, Canton had gotten its one good chance. After a spell of pressure in the zone that saw a couple of shots blocked in front, the puck kicked out to Chaput just inside the left circle. He barely settled the puck before whipping a shot into the top corner that gave the goalie no chance.

“Jeff had a great shot and a quick shot, quick release that kind of surprised the goalie,” said Shuman. “He worked hard. He had the best game I’ve seen him play in his two years for us and he deserved that.”

The pattern continued in the third period, with Canton using its speed to gain the zone and put pressure on the North defense, but with the visitors holding firm and creating the occasional scoring opportunity on the other end.

“Coach Spillane said it best on the bench, let’s get some breathing room and get that goal early in the period,” Shuman said of Canton’s approach to the third period. (With his assistant coaches unavailable this week, Shuman asked former Franklin coach Chris Spillane to help out on the bench.) “We had a couple good chances, just couldn’t bury it.”

Sam Clarke nearly tied the game inside the first minute of the third. He blocked Jay Kelleher’s shot from the point and raced past the Canton defense before forcing a blocker stop from Polles.

It was a warning for the Bulldogs that the game wasn’t over. The best chance to double the lead came when Dylan Coyne’s shot from the slot was blocked and the rebound fell to Eddie Gillis, but his tip slid just wide of the post.

North came closest to tying the game with 2:30 remaining. Tyler Sarro stretched to tip a clearance in the neutral zone to avoid an icing and, after a battle behind the Canton net, the puck came out to Nick Longa on the edge of the crease. Polles kept his pads on the ice and was able to cover up.

Just a few seconds after North pulled its goalie, Canton wrapped up the win. Sam Carlino blocked a pass on one end, chased the puck down, and flicked into the empty net to make it 2-0 with 40.2 on the clock.

“We’re going to have to look at the film and see how we can generate more offense,” said McManama. “Sometimes they do such good job with our ‘D’ zone coverage that we get stuck down there. We’re going to have to work on ways to get ourselves better entries through the neutral zone.”

Canton (3-0) and North Attleboro (1-2) will meet again on Wednesday at the New England Sports Village.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Monday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 04/15/19

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Lacrosse
Canton, 19 vs. Pembroke, 7 – Final – Locked in a 4-4 tie after one quarter, Canton dominated the next to periods, outscoring the Titans 13-2 to run away with the win. The Bulldogs won the second 7-0 to create the necessary separation and then put the game away with a strong third. Junior Tommy Vaughan paced the offense, scoring five goals and adding one assist while senior Griffin Roach had three goals and one assist. Junior Andrew Canto and senior Dan Cohen each added three goals, and junior Brendan Clifford netted a pair of goals. Freshmen Eddie Gillis and Sam Carlino (two goals) each scored their first career goals for the Bulldogs.

Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 18 vs. Bromfield, 10 – Final – Junior Erin Walsh accounted for nine points to lead the Panthers to a win over Bromfield, last year’s D2 State Finalists. Walsh scored five goals and had four assists, junior Kelsey MacCallum added four goals and two assists, and senior Annie Walsh found the back of the net four times and had one helper.

King Philip, 12 @ Dover-Sherborn, 13 – Final – Caroline Watson made 14 saves for the Warriors but it wasn’t enough in a hard-fought loss to D-S. Jess Sullivan led the way offensively with five goals and two assists, while Mackenzie Mazur and Caroline Klim both recorded hat tricks. Victoria Tormey had a goal and two assists in the loss.