Winchendon, MA -Philips Exeter Academy traveled to the Winchendon School on Wednesday to battle with the Wapiti on their home ice. Both teams came out fast and furious in the first period, using some heavy hits and a lot of speed to set the tone. Winchendon would go on the powerplay with 6:04 left in the first, but some great Penalty killing and big saves by Brady Quackenbush would keep the game scoreless at the end of the first period.
Winchendon tried to use their speed in the second period, and just three minutes in, it would pay off when they received another powerplay. When that was kicked off, they went to the powerplay again just one minute later. The Wapiti would capitalize when Cal Fielder would tip a Nate Freelove shot into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. Exeter would answer on the powerplay with less than one second left when Leo Wites would even the game. It was 1-1 after two periods.
The story in the third period was the goaltending of Declan Sweeney of Winchendon. He saved everything that Exeter threw at him, none bigger than the behind-back stick save he made with less than seven minutes to play. Declan saved all 15 shots Exeter sent his way in the third. Declan continued his strong play into OT, saving all seven shots in the extra frame. Trevor Pellecchia of the Wapiti had a nice scoring chance turned aside by Quackenbush. Exeter received a strong defensive game from Roger Davis, who also chipped in with several shots on net late. Shots for the game were Exeter 32; Winchendon 21
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Three Stars
First: Declan Sweeney G (Winchendon)
Second: Brady Quackenbush G (Exeter)
Third: Cal Fielder F (Winchendon)
