Crusaders Skate Past Lowell Catholic
CRUSADERS VS. CRUSADERS
On Monday night at Tsongas Center at UMass-Lowell, Groton-Dunstable (9-3) broke a tight game open thanks to a pair of power play goals from senior Josh Rabbitt in the second period on the way to a convincing 5-1 win over Lowell Catholic (5-5-2).
Sophomore forward Eric Niemoller's unassisted goal gave GD a 1-0 lead at 3:39 of the first period. The Lowell Crusaders were down a goal but both Matt Restuccia (LC) and Jason Robes were "on" with seven saves each over the first 15 minutes. Last year, the teams skated to a 1-1 tie and you had to expect a similar outcome.
Rabbitt's two power play goals in the second stanza came on a five-on-three at 12:04 with an assist from Derek March; and the second, a five-on-four advantage with the helpers from March and Connor Maguire pushed the lead to 3-0. Seconds later, Matt Ovenden pushed a shot past Lowell Catholic's Restuccia to provide GD with a 4-0 lead. So much for thinking the results would be the same as a year ago,
"They're a good team and it took us a while to get going," said GD coach Phil Rowley.
Groton-Dunstable can skate and it would not be easy for LC to get back in this one.
But early in the third, Lowell Catholic got on the board when Michael Guay (Crandall, Caisse) blistered a rising shot from just inside the blue-line that Robes was screened on. With GD up 4-1 any hopes of a comeback ended when GD sophomore Pat Keating got the goal back, finishing at 8:34 from James Tardiff and Derek March.
"We played most of the game without getting penalties. It makes such a difference playing at full strength," smiled Rowley. "We were much more disciplined tonight. The power play goals got us going and we started to skate on all cylinders. And I was able to get my freshman goalie (Ben McAvoy) more minutes."
HOSTING ANNUAL MILITARY NIGHT
Groton-Dunstable and North Middlesex will face-off for Third Annual Military Night Wed., Feb. 5, 7 p.m. at Groton School. All proceeds will go to the Sgt.WilliamWoitowicz Memorial Fund.
All Veterans and Youth Hockey players wearing their team shirt, accompanied by an adult will be admitted free (this is a fun game as Groton/North Middlesex youth programs have merged).
The night has always brought out the best of the community, but this year, having North Middlesex with us for the game, will add to that strong sense of community support. The evening will begin with a crowd appreciation for all veterans, followed by a moment of silence for those who have made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom.
The first Annual Military Night was for Sgt.Woitowicz. It was a very emotional evening for the Woitowicz family, the team and the community - a memory that will remain with them forever. This year's seniors, Anthony Resca, Matt Ovenden, Justin Cole, Connor Maguire, Josh Rabbitt, Derek March James Tardiff and Jason Robes are pleased that they can return to where the event began and once again support Billy's memorial fund.
Home baked treats and hot chocolate will be available, a 50/50 raffle and a raffle of one of the Military Shirts will be part of planned activities.
