Boys Hockey Team Pulls Out Big Win Over Wakefield

– Allison Goldsberry

Following a tough 1-0 loss to St. Peter Marian on Saturday, the boys varsity hockey team pulled out a big 3-2 win over a top-ranked Wakefield team on Monday afternoon.

“I was very happy for the kids and really proud of how resilient they are becoming,” said Head Coach Steve DeBenedictis.

The game was scoreless at the end of the first period. Even though Wakefield dominated early on the Mustangs quickly got it together.

“Jimmy Cecchini played well right from the start and that was critical for us. I am really pleased with how well he has played all year long. By half way through the period all three lines were moving the puck well and that’s really who we have to be to have success,” said Coach DeBenedictis.

After the second period Medford was up 2-0. The Mustangs’ first goal came when Will Brennan passed the puck to Brian Enos, who passed it to Jon Nazzaro behind the goal line. Nazzaro threw it to the front of the net and it went off the Wakefield goalie and went in for the goal. Enos and Nazzaro teamed up again a few minutes later for Medford’s second goal. Enos made a “perfectly timed pass” at the post to Nazzaro, who made the score.

“Both Enos and Nazzaro have really picked us up all year and I’m happy to see the results have been there for them,” said Coach DeBenedictis.

Going into the third the Mustangs knew they had to “play smart” to hang onto to their lead.

“I told them to keep playing as if it were 0-0 and to believe this is not an accident to have the lead. We are still in the learning process here and learning to win is critical for us going forward,” said DeBenedictis.

The Mustangs “responded right out of the gate” and got the pivotal- and game-winning- third goal only fifteen seconds into the period. Nazzaro completed the “hat-trick” on a nice regroup off the face-off; Paul Zizzo got the puck to Enos who found Nazzaro going to the net.

Wakefield did manage to score two goals in the third period but Medford held on for the 3-2 win.

“I thought the last 6 minutes were the most important minutes of our season to date. The kids showed a will to compete, and to play with composure and got what they deserved by winning the game with a great effort in the last couple minutes,” said Coach DeBenedictis.

DeBenedictis praised his team for their work and effort.

“The key to all of this is that we are getting solid play out of everyone right now. Tyler Zizzo has done the dirty work in the corners for Enos and Nazzaro. Jake Porrazzo has done a great job of scoring goals, and playing physical. Brett and Derek Mecrones have been great all year playing big roles as freshmen, showing toughness to go along with their skill. Chris Hayes, DJ Galvin, and Jake Moore have really started to get it going lately and I expect them to start putting up some numbers very soon. Charlie Chouinard, Brian Whooley, Will Brennan, and Paul Zizzo have done a real nice job while logging big minutes on D…they all want to be on the ice during critical times which is what you want to see as a coach.”

Medford is 5-5 overall and 3-0 in the GBL heading into Wednesday’s home game against top-ranked Triton. The Mustangs host Triton at 7PM at LoConte Rink.