Evenly Contested Game Ends in Overtime Loss

Second Boys' Hockey hosted an undefeated Salisbury JV and the two teams orchestrated one of the best prep school games of the year -- fast paced, exciting plays, solid defense and superb goaltending. When it was all said and done, Salisbury eked out a come-from-behind 2-1 overtime victory. After a scoreless first period, Westminster's Phil Sandler '10, camped out in the high slot, one-timed a pass from linemate Tim Gray '11 to break the deadlock late in the second period. Blueliner, Matt Mahany '10, also earned an assist on the play. The score remained 1-0 halfway into the third period until the Martlet defense made an overly aggressive play in mid-ice which resulted in Salisbury outnumbering the host team around their cage and converting on a rebound chance. With the score now tied at 1-1 with minutes remaining, Matt Betten '10, the Westminster goalie, made the save of the game as a Salisbury forward split the Martlet defense and stormed in on a clear breakaway. Betten's glove calmly snagged a blistering shot to preserve the tie and send the game into overtime. Westminster carried the play and had several good chances in the early part of overtime, but it was Salisbury that capitalized on their first opportunity by roofing a loose rebound in from of the Martlet cage. Despite the tough loss, Westminster played a fine game as did their able opponents from Salisbury, CT. The veteran coaches on both sides, Tim Sinclair, Sam Simmons (Salisbury), Charlie Griffith and Peter Briggs agreed that this was one of the most competitive and best played games in recent memory. Well done to both clubs! Westminster meets Mid-Fairfield at home on Thursday.