MEDFORD — The Winthrop Vikings boys hockey team marched into the Medford Mustangs’ rink Monday night and completely crushed them.
What started off as an evenly matched game throughout the first period began with Medford’s goalie John Nocella making a fantastic save on a breakaway shot by Winthrop. However, on the very next sequence, Jack Hayes, forward for the Vikings, sailed a shot past Nocella, giving his team a 1-0 lead. A little more than two minutes later, Louis Pucillo retaliated with a score of his own, leading to a 1-1 tie going into the second period.
When the second period started, it seemed that momentum from Pucillo’s goal in the first carried over for the Mustangs; this was until the Vikings goalie Nico Babine stopped two early and aggressive shots.
The momentum shifted back into the Vikings’ favor when they went on a powerplay due to a penalty from Medford’s Devon Page. During the powerplay, JD Parker capitalized and gave Winthrop the go-ahead and ultimately game-winning goal, bringing the score to 2-1.
The Vikings never looked back as they proceeded to tack on an additional three goals in the second period. Two of the goals came from Pete Silverman and one from Phil Boncore.
“Tonight we just went out and tried to execute what we needed to execute,” said assistant head coach Mike Norris.
The third period was no different than the second, as the Vikings maintained control over the game and controlled the puck throughout. Medford’s woes continued as the aggressive play of Winthrop left them with little-to-no breathing room. In the final minutes of the game, Winthrop took advantage of another powerplay, as Jackson Andy ripped another goal past Nocella to secure the game at 6-1.
