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Sports

Wildcats Dealt a Heartbreaking Tournament Loss

Ryan Cassidy's goal with 4:29 left in overtime sent the Milton High boys' hockey team packing as Wellesley escaped with a 1-0 win in Wednesday night's Division 1 South tournament first round action at Babson College.

All it took was one shot to end the tournament hopes of the Milton High boys’ hockey team. Ryan Cassidy recorded the game-winning goal with 4:29 remaining in overtime as Wellesley handed the Wildcats a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime defeat in Wednesday night’s Division 1 South tournament first round action at Babson College.

With the loss, the Wildcats finished the season on a four game losing streak along with a 10-11-2 mark. Even in defeat, coach Paul Noonan was more than pleased with his team’s efforts.

“It was a great game, and it could’ve gone either way,’’ said Noonan. “We had some great chances, and they had some opportunities, but in the end Wellesley was able to put the puck in the net and come away with the win.”

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Throughout the contest, both teams created quality opportunities with Liam Killeen, Will Russo and Terence Walsh all with point blank chances.

“They had some great shots, but their goaltender made some incredible saves on us,’’ said Noonan. “He stood on his head and took away at least two or three goals.”

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After both teams battled to a scoreless tie through the first two periods, the Wildcats peppered Red Raider goaltender Zach Herbert-Burns with multiple shots from close range, including a pair that hit the far post.

“We were only inches away from advancing in the tournament,’’ said Noonan. “It was a well played game and defensively, we came through with a great effort. Scoring goals has been our Achilles heel all season, and we just couldn’t put the puck in the net.”

In the overtime session, the Wildcats emerged victorious as Russo executed a shot from close range that Herbert-Burns tossed aside with the right pad. Seconds later, Killeen deked a defenseman and whistled a shot that Herbert-Burns snatched in midair glove side.

Just minutes after nearly escaping with a victory, the Wildcats were handed the gut wrenching defeat as Cassidy rifled the game-winning goal with 4:29 left. Off a pass from Andrew Docktor, Cassidy fired a shot that eluded Wildcat goaltender Jay Hankard short side for the game-winner.

“It was a tough loss, but the guys gave it a great effort,’’ said Noonan. “We played them twice during the regular season, and we knew it was going to be a low scoring game. It’s just tough that we couldn’t come away with the win and our season is over.”

In the loss, the Wildcats were led by the fine defensive efforts of Dan Curran and Will England. Minding the net, goaltender Jay Hankard stopped 34 shots in the losing effort.

“Hankard had a great season, and he kept us in the game,’’ said Noonan. “He made a lot of great saves and he almost pulled one out for us.”

With six seniors lost to the cap and gown, the Wildcats will have to do some rebuilding for next year’s season. Graduation losses include Kevin Lamere along with England, Jack Davis, Allen Lasoff, Robbie O’Neill and Killen.

As for leading goal scorers, Paul Curran led the way with 23 points (11-12-23) followed by Walsh with 19 (4-15-19). Other scoring leaders include Brian Higgins (7-9-16) along with Derek Hurley (9-5-14), Davis (5-9-14) and Robbie O’Neill with 13 points (6-7-13).

In goal Hankard led the way with a 2.60 goals against average.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s all over,’’ said Noonan. “It felt like yesterday we were getting the team together to play our first scrimmage. We were hoping for a tournament run, and to go a little farther, but there’s not much you can do. We gave it a great shot and came up just short.”

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