Wilmington Outlasts Medford, Advances Into Division 1 Semifinal

Cody McGowan has been a key member of the Wilmington boys hockey team since he scored a goal as a freshman on his first varsity shift. But the senior saved one of his biggest goals for last.

McGowan took a pass from fellow four-year player Luke Foley near the blue line and smacked it past Medford's goaltender midway through double overtime to give the Wildcats a 1-0 overtime win Friday night in the North Division 1 quarterfinal game.

"That probably is the most important goal I've ever scored," said McGowan, who said his familiarity with his linemate Foley's game is critical. "We pretty much always know where each other is going to go, what kind of player each other is. We feed off each other real well."

McGowan's goal came on the power play after Medford was called for too many men on the ice. Teams were already skating four-on-four in the double overtime session, so there was plenty of open ice during the four-on-three advantage.

Thanks to the victory, Wilmington advanced to the North Division 1 semifinal, which is scheduled for Wednesday night at 5:10 p.m.

The Wildcats will face off against Arlington, one of three Middlesex League teams left out of the four remaining Division 1 teams. Arlington and Wilmington skated to a tie during their only meeting this year.

"I thought it was two hard-working teams that did the extra stuff all game long," said Scanlon.