Southborough, MA-The St. Mark’s Lions hosted the Groton Zebras in a game featuring two schools with a long running rivalry. Read about it here. The campus and rink were electric with fans and students from both schools packing the barn. Seniors Kevin Clark started in the net for Groton and Will Bundy for the Lions. In the end, St Mark’s would prevail in one of the best games we have seen, any level, all season.
The first few minutes were frantic and St. Mark’s first line of Trevor O’Brien, Brendan Gibbons and Danny Ciccarello had lots of chances through the entire frame. St. Mark’s scored first on the power play as O’Brien tipped Ian Moore’s shot home with 14:08 left. Tucker Hartmann picked up the other assist. Then with 10:41 left, Moore flew up the weak side and wristed a rocket home on a nice cross zone pass pass from Dominick Murphy. Groton pulled back within a goal as junior Will Molson ripped home a rebound on the power play on a shot by classmate Thomas Dempsey. St. Mark’s first line struck right back as O’Brien stuffed a rebound home just seconds later to give his team the two-goal lead back. Period ended 3-1.
The second period started with three unanswered goals by Groton. 32 seconds in Marc Borghi ripped one home. Then with 15:30 left Molson picked up a puck on a net drive by Wes Turner and fired it home. Bryan McLaughlin fired a face off win post and in to give Groton a 4-3 lead with 10:44 left. Play was frantic and fast and the Zebra faithful were delirious. St. Mark’s responded, however, late off a set faceoff play from the defensive zone as Moore sent Ciccarello away who scored on the breakaway to even the score. The third would start with the long-time rivals knotted at 4-4.
Despite only one goal being scored in the third, play went p and down the ice. Every shot and hot drew cheers and “oohhs and aahhs” from the packed rink. It appeared Groton had taken a lead as Luke Beckstein dangled a St. Mark’s defenseman and fired a hard shot on goal. The puck trickled behind Bundy and was tapped home. It was called back however. We are really not sure why but our best guess is that the whistle had blown. We didn’t hear it but it was really loud in the building. Then Groton was whistled for too many men and St. Mark’s made them pay. O’Brien completed the hattrick as he was again around the net front to hammer home a Tucker Hartmann rebound. Secondary assist went to Moore. That would do it as the Lions buttoned things up and took the big win which has rivalry and playoff implications.
Three Stars
1. Trevor O’Brien (St. Mark’s)
2. Ian Moore St. Mark’s)
3. Will Molson (Groton)
TTPA: Von Mabbs
NZ Notes: Overall; the game was terrific. They left every bit of energy and love for their schools on the ice. St. Mark’s has an old school prep rink. It’s cold, standing seats, small warm room and awesome ice. It was the perfect setting for a game like this and we loved every minute of it. It was a pleasure to be there. Even the music between whistles was awesome. For St. Mark’s; Moore proved to us he is the best prospect in Prep hockey. Our NHL staff will get our notes but his stick, passes and sense were all exceptional. Senior Mabbs picked up his 50th career point (he told us on twitter, thanks Von!) He showed a nice stride, speed, hunted pucks with intensity and popped Zebras. We liked his game tonight a lot. Hartmann is a true puck moving defenseman. He was dangerous every time he had the puck along the offensive blue line. He can dangle with the best and draws attention and dishes. D1 schools should take note. He has some real skills. Junior Jake Oblak started plays from the back end and has quick hands, vision and shot to tips. Ciccarello has great straight-line speed and scored the huge tying goal by winning a puck race. He is thick, it and protected the puck. O’Brien is clever and processes plays quickly. He was on pucks all night. He is not big and may be a year away from breaking out. High IQ and had a night to remember. Late 2003 Dominic Murphy is a sophomore wo caught our eye. Nice frame and showed pace with reach. Good off the wall and hit to create turnovers; Michael Fisher had been injured and has recently come back. He is not Moore but he reminded us of him a bit with his skating and style. The August 2003 (he may be a 2004) and sophomore is intriguing and a player to watch. He has a high ceiling we believe. For Groton; this one had to sting especially with the goal called back and a late penalty. 2002 Trey Whitehead looked mobile and was involved on defense. Nice feet and a quick stick. Dempsey is a 2001 who is mature, strong and has a nice stride and smart stick. Marc Borghi is 6’1”, blocked shots and ripped shots on goal. Involved and tough. Ronan Doherty showed an explosive element and went to the net. Beckstein was Groton’s most dangerous player with possession. He made something from nothing several times and took hits to make plays. He played a great game. Molson was in the right place all game and finished when he had his chances. Very good on the PP. 2003 Max Noll is 6’2”, took contact and can catch and shoot. He will emerge next year.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
