Crusader Icemen Capture Central Mass. Roy Division Title!

With their 7-1 win over Leominster, Groton-Dunstable clinched the Central Mass. Roy Division title with an overall 14-1-2 record. The Crusaders are Division 3A state champions and this year, are playing their first season in Division 3. Seven different goal scorers for GD including Justin Cole, Connor Maguire, C.J. Kenny, Josh Rabbitt, Michael Keating, Nathan Rabbitt and Alan Haynes (assist). Derek March (2 assists) and goalie Jason Robes (17 saves).

In the second of back-to-back games against  Leominster, Justin Cole and J.J. Tardiff each scored a goal for Crusaders, now (14-1-3). Connor Maguire, Josh Rabbitt, Brendan Hunter and Nathan Rabbitt each had an assist. Jack Niemoller made 17 saves in goal for the Crusaders. "We have two games left after our tie with Leominster," said Groton-Dunstable coach Phil Rowley. "We didn't play well against them.  I don't think we played with the intensity that we showed in the first game against them."

On 2/13, Crusaders faced Quinn Conference Shrewsbury (11-3-1), a team that has been in Division 3, top 10 all year. "They have a very potent offense, lots of speed in their first and second lines. Their defense is good. This will definitely have the feel of a state playoff game," continued Rowley.

"We'll probably see Wachusetts (5-1, 13-2-2) or Marlborough (2-3, 10-5) when the pairings come out on February 28. Last year's defending champion Hudson (3-3, 6-7-3) is still in the hunt for a berth and they can't be taken lightly, if they make it," continued Rowley.