Prep edges BC High in meaningful win

WILMINGTON – On a day of special meaning for the extended St. John’s Prep hockey family, junior wing James Currier delivered a special performance in the fifth annual Derek Hines Memorial Game Saturday afternoon at Ristuccia Arena.Currier’s pair of highlight reel goals in the second period elevated the Eagles into a first-place Catholic Conference tie with a 3-2 win against B.C. HighHines, of Newburyport, was a four-year varsity player and captain of the Prep’s 1998-99 Super Eight semifinal squad and went on to play four years at West Point, where he became team captain and graduated in 2003. He was killed in action on Sept. 1, 2005 while conducting security operations in Afghanistan.In pre-game ceremonies, the Hines family was presented a check for $4,000 to benefit the 1st Lt. Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund. Steve Hines, Derek’s father, spoke to the players before the game and the Eagles hit the ice adorned in special Stars & Stripes uniforms. A jersey with Hines’ name and number 23 hung behind the St. John’s bench throughout the game.”It’s such a good cause and when Mr. Hines came in and talked to us, coach (Kris) Hanson didn’t have to say anything afterward. He (Mr. Hines) gave us [Derek’s] whole story, his work ethic. Never give up and do it for your team and for everyone around you,” said Currier.”I didn’t have to say a word – what he (Mr. Hines) said was more than enough,” Hanson acknowledged. “This whole week leading up to this game has been special. It has been about Derek’s mission. Days like today help people become aware of how they can give back. It’s really become something pretty special.”As for the game, St. John’s (5-1-0, 11-2-0) stands tied with B.C. High (4-1-2, 9-2-2) while holding an important game in hand. Malden Catholic’s win against slumping Catholic Memorial effectively reduced the league race to a two-team tussle.”With four (league games) left, I was just trying for us not to go on a four-game losing streak – 11-2 probably exceeds my expectations but I’m not surprised how well we’ve played. This is an older group with a lot of seniors, kids who have been there before and who stay composed,” Hanson said.St. John’s struck first, at 6:49 of the first period, when senior Cam Sheehan finished a right wing rush by turning a B.C. High defenseman and snapping a shot over the glove B.C. High’s stellar keeper Peter Cronin (20 saves).The visitors tied it less than two minutes later while on the power play. Freshman defenseman Ryan Shea’s slap shot from the right point deflected off a Prep player in front and skidded past goalie Billy Price (14 saves).After B.C. High’s Tom Bessinger dug out a rebound and slid the puck past Price from close range for a short-lived 2-1 lead at 5:12 of the second period, Currier went to work.First he tied it , 2-2, with 8:38 left in the period when he cut left to right through the attacking zone, turned a defenseman, and pulled the puck back to his forehand before beating Cronin to the far side.The game-winning goal came with 3:57 left in the period, essentially a carbon-copy of Currier’s first goal. This time, however, Cronin moved with Currier so he shot the puck back across his body and past Cronin’s outstretched glove.”I had (Andrew) Brandano open on both of those goals – I probably should’ve made the pass,” Currier said somewhat sheepishly.The Prep’s proficient lock-down defense was at its best in the third period, limiting B.C. High to few quality chances. League games against CM (Wednesday) and Xaverian (Saturday) remain. Three points – or a BC High loss to CM next Saturday in its final league game and a single point – will deliver a title for the Prep.