Martlets Defeat Winged Beavers

Undermanned yet again, Westminster made its way to Avon Old Farms for a late afternoon tilt. Once settled into the locker room, it was clear that there was going to be plenty of ice time for the boys. Despite giving up the first goal just 1:41 after puck drop, the young Martlets were determined to have themselves a day. On the ensuing faceoff, Jordan Pham ‘27 got the Black and Gold on the board with a goal unlike the coaches have ever seen in their time behind the Thirds bench. Winning the draw forward, Pham (who seemingly knows everything about everything hockey) carried the puck past the opposing center and split the D on the way to a one-on-one opportunity against the Avon netminder. A shot-fake, followed by a bit of a dangle, and the puck was in the back of the net without ever having left the ice! Coincidentally, the next scoring play for each team was an own goal of sorts. Teddy Russell ‘26 was credited with Westminster’s tally, as his wraparound attempt went in off an Avon stick. The first period came to a close with the score tied, 2-2. Nico Filippetti ‘29 opened the scoring in the second on a beautiful setup in the slot from Ty Lambert ‘26. The unselfish passing play exemplified the team effort that was noticeable all afternoon. Not to be denied, Avon tied things up again just a few minutes later. Back-and-forth play continued until Westminster broke through for good. Adam Heffer ‘29 managed a wraparound goal of his own at the 7:17 mark. In the locker room after the game, he credited Russell’s wraparound play as the inspiration for his attempt. It wasn’t a Michigan, but it still looked good. The Martlets held a one-goal lead for the majority of the third period. Henry Norton ‘29 finally closed the door on the Winged Beavers with a late empty netter from just outside the defensive blue line. Martlet netminders, Nate Teong ‘28 and Derek Waddell ‘27, were solid between the pipes all afternoon, turning away more than their fair share of shots. Team play was the true highlight of the day, with many of the boys playing different positions and roles than they normally would. Hopefully, there will be less need to do so over the final two games, but the boys will be ready if the situation calls for it. Next up, Simsbury High School JV this Friday at ISCC.