Martlets Fall to Elite Hockey

 

The Martlets dropped a tough one to visiting Elite Hockey Academy on a rare Tuesday game at Jackson Rink. The Black & Gold, coming off a strong showing on Saturday, hoped to build their momentum heading into a busy week. But in the end, the Elite squad proved a tough opponent, winning puck battles in all areas of the ice and taking advantage of Westminster miscues. Led by netminder Teddy Pemberton ‘29, back in the lineup after a spell on the IR, the boys had their chances and battled back in the 3rd period to tie the game, but a blown coverage and an empty-net goal in the waning minutes of the game sealed their fate. Pemberton played very well, ultimately posting 28 saves for the game and earning the Hard Hat for his efforts. Several of those saves brought the hometown faithful to their feet as Elite swirled around the Martlet net. On the other end of the ice, the Elite goalie played just as well, making 26 saves and repeatedly keeping the Martlets off the board after a strong shift. The JVs got on the board first when Declan Davies ‘29 collected a pass from linemate Drew Doering ‘29 and fired a shot between the legs of an Elite defenseman and over the right shoulder of the keeper. Sam McGarvey ‘28 started that play when he forced a turnover in neutral ice the was collected by Doering. That goal came about early in the 1st period, and this old coach knows well that an early goal can lead to a little overconfidence at times. And so it was: midway through the frame, a careless turnover in Westminster’s own end led to a quick exchange and backhand shot that beat Pemberton. The opening period ended with the teams tied at 1-1, and the teams retired to their respective locker rooms to prepare for the 2nd. The middle period was all Elite: too many Westminster penalties, too many turnovers, and an overall lack of focus and discipline cost the Martlets. The period was very disjointed, and it was difficult for the Martlets to find any rhythm. Elite scored twice in the period to build a 1-3 lead, and both goals came off Black & Gold fumbles. On the first, Westminster allowed a clean entry at speed to a charging Elite forward, who cut around the defense along the near boards and finished with an impressive shot up over Pemberton’s shoulder and under the bar—where it hardly seemed there was space for a nickel, let alone a puck. Their third goal followed an ill-timed pinch in the Elite end by a Martlet blueliner, which led directly to a 2-on-1 against Pemberton that the visitors executed perfectly. After the period ended, the Martlets gathered on the bench and tried to refocus, with some success. The next two goals belonged to the JVs and the game looked as if it might turn in the home team's favor.  At the 10–minute mark, Patrick Saxe ‘26 forced a turnover on the Westminster blue line and raced the length of the ice to beat the Elite keeper on the backhand. Saxe’s goal energized the team, and the next many minutes were played in Elite’s end of the ice. With 7 minutes to go in the game, Xavier Kahn ‘27 got the tying goal when he took a pass from Dylan Zapata ‘28, moved around an Elite defender on the right side, and ripped a shot over the goalie’s shoulder. With the score now 3-3, the home side felt the ice tipping in their favor. But two bad penalties—both for slashing, and both avoidable—put the JVs in a hole. Right as the first of those penalties was expiring, an Elite forward slipped behind the Martlet defense and, when the JVs lost a puck battle just inside the blue line in front of the bench, took a perfect pass from a teammate and casually tapped the puck behind Pemberton for the winning goal. The Martlets pushed hard for the final minutes, but with Pemberton on the bench, the JVs lost the puck in neutral ice and an Elite forward found the net from about 70 feet out. Game over, 3-5. The loss is disappointing, as the coaches and the team felt this was a winnable game. The Martlets will have little time to rest and reflect, however, as tomorrow we’re on the bus and headed north to Williston. That puck drop at Lossone Rink is slated for 2:30 pm. Williston is always a tough place to play: a small rink, and things happen quickly. The boys will be ready, and looking to get back in the win column. See you at the rink!