Sports

Wilmington Boys Hockey Opens With Ugly Playoff Win

The Wildcats 5-2 first round victory over Stoneham appeared to be an easy win, but it was a one-goal game for much of the third period.

Wilmington High School boys hockey head coach Steve Scanlon has seen a long list of impressive postseason victories in his decades with the team. Tuesday night, however, was not one of them.

The Wildcats escaped their opening round tilt versus Stoneham with a 5-2 win, but the team didn't play well for much of the game and Wilmington's lead was only one goal for most of the final frame.

Freshman Billy Falter, senior Jake Rogers and Dylan DiNatale scored to put Wilmington up, 3-0, after the opening period. But Stoneham scored the next two to pull within 3-2 with 13:30 to play.

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Goalie Drew Foley made a laundry list of critical saves to preserve the edge before Brendan McDonough added an empty netter with 26 seconds to play and Luke Foley capped the scoring with 6.5 seconds left.

With the victory, the Wildcats next play on Friday night versus Boston Latin. Puck drops at 8 p.m. in Stoneham.

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"Real disappointed," said Scanlon. "Obviously we're thrilled to move on and get the win. But you're not going anywhere playing like that. It's a real concern."

Are you a big fan of the Wildcats? You'll also want to see:

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  • Ten Boys Hockey Players Honored on Senior Night
  • Wildcats Edged by Reading in 'Super' Match Up
  • Lady Wildcat Seniors Honored Before Key Win


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