By: Hannah Eastwood
Leominster scored twice in the third period to break a 4-4 tie and hand the Westborough Rangers their third loss of the season on Saturday, January 3.
The Rangers played a hard fought game, but unfortunately came up short on shots on goal. Westborough had only five shots in the second period, compared to 17 by Leominster.
“There was a strong effort in the first and third periods, but not in the second,” remarks head coach Chet Hallice, “We need effort for the full game, not just the beginning and end.”
Leominster was the first to strike when Ross Howlett scored just 32 seconds into the first period. Jake Uhlman and Trevor McNamera, of Westborough, both scored goals in the first to make the score 2-1 Westborough at the end of the period.
Leominster simply dominated in the second period, scoring three goals, while the Rangers failed to respond and had a mere five shots on goal.
“We need to improve on scoring goals. We need to learn to crash the net and score off of rebounds,” says senior captain Sam Kruse.
Kruse scored an unassisted goal on a breakaway to open up the third period. Uhlman would score his second goal of the game to tie the score at 4-4. However, it wasn’t long before Tyler Cuddahy notched his second goal of the game for Leominster to re-gain the lead.
Brandon Lefebvre, of Leominster, scored an empty net goal on a power play to secure the victory. The power play came on a tripping call against Kruse when he dove to prevent Leominster from scoring an empty netter.
“I give kudos to Sam for his effort,” says Hallice, “the rule was changed so that as soon as your feet leave the ice it’s tripping.”
“I hate how the refs called so many penalties. They are trying to take any big hits away from high school hockey which is just a shame,” says Kruse.
As for the team’s power play strategy, Coach Hallice said it was just, “awful.”
“Our strategy is too feed Steve [Falvey] and I one timers and screen the goalie with someone in the crease,” remarks Kruse.
Jared Ward, senior at WHS, had another impressive start in goal making 37 saves. When asked to name one player who has stepped up so far this season, Hallice simply stated, “Jared Ward.”
The Westborough Rangers currently have a 3-2 record overall and a 0-1 record in league matchups.
