Published in the January 3, 2019 edition.
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WATERTOWN — The Wakefield High boys’ hockey team arrived at the John Ryan Skating Arena last night with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, seeking their first win of the season.
The Warriors, coming off a 2-2 tie against Matignon on New Year’s Eve, turned the page on a difficult 2018 and started off the new year with a resounding 4-1 win over Watertown.
“I think we played to our strengths which is out-working our opponents and sticking to our systems,” said Jason Lawrence, who picked up his first win as head coach of the boys’ team. “We saw some things finally start to click and the guys bought in tonight.”
The two teams played to an even 0-0 after one period. Wakefield took advantage of a power play to kickstart their offense in the second. Junior Cam Souza scored off a rebound on the man-advantage to stake the Warriors to a 1-0 lead.
The defense and senior goalie Justin Harding (19 saves) took over in the second period and killed off a five-minute major to carry their one-goal lead into the third.
One goal through two periods turned into four goals in one as the third picked up in action right off the bat when freshman Joe O’Brien made it it 2-0 Warriors. The Raiders answered relatively quickly and the score was 2-1 in the middle of the third.
Harding and the defense held strong and the Warriors forced double minors to the Raiders late in the period. The captains stole the show from there, as Jake Regan made it 3-1 with a blast from the blue line and Thomas Harrington scored late off an assist from sophomore Oliver Miller.
Altogether, it was a positive step.
The Warriors, no doubt tired of hearing about their difficult early-season schedule which resulted in an 0-4 start, decided they would focus only on the future in 2019. First wins always give a team a jump and Wakefield is hoping they can use this to provide some momentum heading into three more challenging league games against Wilmington, Melrose and Arlington.
“Hopefully we can use this as a spring board and continue to build for the rest of the season,” said Lawrence. “It is always good to get the confidence of a win and see the players’ hard work get rewarded.”
The Warriors get another week to rest up and prepare for the Wildcats at Risuccia on Wednesday. They then host Melrose on Jan. 12 and Arlington on Jan. 14 with both games at the Stoneham Ice Arena.
