MARLBOROUGH, Mass. -- Excitement was all around at this weekend’s Massachusetts hockey championships. Although other age groups had tournaments at the New England Sports Center, the 14-and-Under age group took top billing as the only one competing for spots at the USA Hockey National Championships, which take place next month at the same venue. Other Massachusetts state champions were previously decided.
In the Tier II 14U Massachusetts state championship, Assabet Valley recorded a 3-2 victory over the Cape Cod Storm. The game was a back-and-forth affair. The teams were tied at 1-1 entering the third period before each team scored in the first 1:02. Assabet took the lead late in the third period and then held on to beat the Storm, who played an extended semifinal match (more on that below).
In the other 14U final, Assabet Valley beat the Boston Junior Eagles 4-1 in a tight game between two rivals. The game was their 10th this season. Assabet Valley sealed the win with two late goals, including an empty netter.
Other champions
While Massachusetts crowned its 14U Tier I and II champions this weekend, its 16U and 19U champions already had their trophies. Those tournaments held their championship games back on Dec. 1.
In 16U Tier I, the East Coast Wizards went undefeated in capturing the championship. In the final, the Wizards beat Assabet Valley, 3-1. In all, the Wizards were 5-0 on the weekend.
In 16U Tier II, the champions were the Bay State Breakers. In the finals, the Breakers edged the Charles River Blazers 4-3 for the title. The Breakers lost their opening game of the tournament to Charles River 5-4 but went unbeaten the rest of the way, and avenged that loss in the final for good measure.
In U19 Tier I, the champion was Assabet Valley. In the final, Assabet Valley beat the Bay State Breakers, 5-1. Assabet was dominant in pool play, winning all three of its games, recording two shutouts and outscoring its opponents, 21-2.
In U19 Tier II, the Cape Cod Storm took the title. In the final, Cape Cod beat the Charles River Blazers, 3-1. Cape Cod also was dominant in pool play, going 3-0 and shutting out two opponents. It outscored opponents 16-1.
Playing on home ice
The national championships will be held in this same complex next month. The Boston area teams participating will get to enjoy home cooking and play on rinks with which they’re familiar.
The four-rink New England Sports Center complex originally opened in 1994, with additional ice sheets added in 2004 and 2010.
Going for extra time
Sunday morning was a busy time for tournament officials, who saw a pair of extended overtime matchups.
In 14U Tier II, the Cape Cod Storm were involved in a five-overtime marathon with the Boston Junior Eagles. Cape Cod ended up securing a 3-2 victory. However, Cape Cod fell in the championship game to Assabet Valley.
In 14U Tier I, the Boston Junior Eagles also got pushed to overtime, beating the East Coast Wizards 2-1. They too ended up losing in the championship game, though.
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
Girl's Tier I
14U: Assabet Valley
16U: East Coast Wizards
19U: Assabet Valley
Girl's Tier II
14U: Assabet Valley
16U: Bay State Breakers
19U: Cape Cod Storm
Tag(s): News