North Chelmsford, MA – MassNZ traveled to Skate Three in Tyngsboro to watch the 7-ranked Westford Academy Grey Ghosts take on the 6-ranked Billerica Indians. With a strong showing of fans from both schools, the energy was high from the second the teams took the ice.
In the first period, the Grey Ghosts top line seemed to be shot out of a cannon as they put the pressure on Billerica right off the drop. A heavy forecheck and plenty of shots, but Billerica’s junior goaltender Stephen MacIntosh weathered the storm. With the sequence of saves and their ability to get pucks in deep, Billerica was able to jump on the Grey Ghosts three minutes into the first. Junior forward Dan Viscione won a battle in front and was able to cash in with Tim Murphy and James Columbus picking up assists on the play. Billerica had another chance to pad their lead over Westford Academy on a power play late in the period, but the Indians could not take advantage. A few minutes later, the first period came to a close with the Billerica Indians ahead 1-0 with 30 minutes left to play.
In the second period, Westford Academy’s top line came out looking to tie the game up early. This soon came to fruition as defender JJ Funaro found the back of the net just 37 seconds into the period. Westford Academy wasted no time to take the lead with a goal from the left-handed defenseman Ethan Koehr, giving them the 2-1 lead early in the second. The Grey Ghosts continued to put pressure on the Indians for more than five minutes, which ultimately led to a Billerica penalty. On the ensuing power play, Westford Academy took advantage as junior forward Jack Donovan was on the receiving end of a great feed from big forward Nick Burns. Looking to turn the tide, a great escape move from Billerica’s sophomore Ryan Johnson drew a tripping penalty that sent the Indians to the power play. Despite some great puck movement and good chances, Westford Academy remained perfect on the penalty kill. Taking some of the momentum from their penalty, Billerica put on the pressure to close out the second down 3-1.
In the third period, Billerica came out hot and looked to gain some pressure as a result of a heavy forecheck from Johnson. The Indians continued to pick up the pace as they were getting on the forecheck and throwing the body around. As a result of the speed Billerica began playing with, Westford took a hooking penalty on the backcheck, sending the Indians back to the power play. As we saw all night, the Westford Academy penalty kill remained stalwart and kept the game at 3-1 thanks to great defensive efforts led by Jack Nelken and JJ Funaro. Within the last two minutes in regulation and the net empty, Billerica created some great chances but failed to find the back of the net. Which ultimately led to the Westford Academy Grey Ghosts defeating the Billerica Indians 3-1.
Three Stars:
- F Nick Burns, Westford Academy
- D JJ Funaro, Westford Academy
- F Ryan Johnson, Billerica
