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1inawesomewonder · 5 years

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Skate 3, Tyngsboro, MA – February 23, 2019:

Goffstown had clinched their place in the playoff seeding earlier in the week and the outcome on Saturday had no effect on their tournament placement. Then they were playing on the road against a team they beat 6-1 earlier in the season. Furthermore, the home team was battling to finish the regular season as high as 6th or as low as 8th. So, it could have been a game to take lightly. Or maybe they could show up way too casual and go into action lacking the discipline that has set this group apart from their competition all season. Goffstown had other ideas though and broke a 2-2 tie late in the 2nd period, scoring six goals in just more than 9 minutes to win going away, 8-3.

Colby Gamache looks for some space on the outside. (Photo by Charron)

A dear friend of Goffstown hockey, Al St. Louis sang the anthem as he does for many of the Alvirne-Milford Admiral home games, and his voice was a familiar sound for the Grizzlies. Goffstown improved to 14-6 over the last 4 years when Al sings the National Anthem before a Grizzlies hockey game.

The first period was a little bit odd for the visiting Grizzlies. They managed to control the play for the most part but that didn’t result in a lot of shots. Meanwhile, the Admirals were getting more shots and some good chances, just in far less elapsed time. Goffstown worked the puck and Alvirne-Milford counterpunched, looking for mistakes to capitalize upon.

Step right up! Get your tickets here! See Griffin Cook in action! (Photo by Charron)

Sebastian Beal for the Grizzlies battled for a loose puck in his offensive zone, won the puck, and let a wicked wrister go that beat Jackson Dowd in net for the Admirals, but the puck rattled off of the crossbar and over the net at 2:36. The Grizzlies killed off a powerplay when Isaac McGregor was whistled for a hooking call. Then Jacob Noonan made a seemingly innocent break out pass up the left wing boards to Colby Gamache. The pass, like a perfectly executed billiards assessment of speed and angles, found Gamache in stride speeding up the ice. Gamache finished the play with a beautiful goal to get the Grizzlies on the board at 11:45.

Chretien carries the puck, but yes, he sees you. (Photo by Charron)

Less than a minute later, Levi Griffin made a gorgeous long-distance breakout pass like a perfectly thrown deep ball from a great quarterback and Zac Girouard was off to the races. James Amorelli came out to cut the angle on the breakaway attempt and receded perfectly, making a brilliant right toe save to keep the score at 1-0. And the period would end with the score 1-0, and Goffstown trailing in shots, 12-7.

The Big E made an appearance at Skate 3 and for a few moments, nobody could see the sun. (Photo by Charron)

The second period largely belonged to the Grizzlies but that’s not how the scoreboard felt about it. Alvirne-Milford scored first, at 4:10 on a shot that Amorelli probably wishes he had back. Damien Barahona scored from a nearly impossible angle, below the rightwing faceoff dot. The goal was assisted by Levi Griffin. The game was tied 1-1. The Admirals took a slashing penalty at 4:53 and by 5:10 of the period, the Grizzlies had the lead again. Sebastian Beal and Colin Burke worked the puck around the zone

Excuse me while I take this shortcut I know. (Photo by Charron)

like it belonged to them before the puck was on Colby Gamache’s stick, in tight. Gamache using his skilled hands lifted a backhand shot over the shoulder of Dowd in goal, landing up where momma hides the creamy peanut butter. At 6:02 Barahona got caught with his stick up around the throat of Griffin Cook and the Grizzlies went back on the powerplay. Grady Chretien pinged the crossbar with a shot but the Admirals held the score at 2-1. Then at 8:13 Alvirne-Milford tied the game at 2-2. Jacob Noonan turned the puck over and the speedy Isaac Rogers broke in all alone. Amorelli made a sensational save on Rogers but Bobby Pace was right there to clean up the mess and put the puck in the net. Game tied 2-2, with less than half a game left.

James Amorelli made 26 saves to earn his 3rd career victory for the Grizzlies. (Photo by Charron)

They say that triangles are the strongest shape structurally. And if a team of hockey players ever needed something strong to lean on, it might be something like Goffstown’s version of the CBC Line last year, and the CBC 2.0 Line this year. At 10:15 of the second period, Griffin Cook scored on a pass from Sebastian Beal who had taken a pass from Colby Gamache. Not only that, the passes pretty near formed a triangle of angled passes leading to Cook scoring from point-blank range. Then, not to be left out, Grady Chretien scored a simply gorgeous bar-down goal just 7 seconds later to give the Grizzlies a 4-2 lead. Goffstown’s Eric DesRuisseaux was called for high-sticking moments later but the Grizzlies killed the penalty without further damage. At 14:48 of the period an ugly scene played out in front of the Alvirne-Milford bench. Penalties were called and a disqualification resulted. It was a brutal scene; one that I have seen too many of this season. And equally remarkable, if not truly sad, one of the only one of these irresponsible fits of brutality that I have seen called this season.

Theo Milianes, Isaac McGregor, and Luke Chase will all be back for the Grizzlies next season. (Photo by Charron)

As a result of the penalties at the end of the 2nd period, the final period started with some 4-on-4 play for 1:48. Griffin Cook scored an unassisted goal at 1:35 to open up a 3-goal lead for the Grizzlies. Then Goffstown salted away the game with 3 powerplay goals in a span of 2:34. Colby Wright got his first career goal on a gorgeous feed from Grady Chretien, finding Wright on the doorstep for the tap in. Then Colin Burke snagged a goal that was set up by Chretien and Gamache. Finally, Luke Ouellette scored on a splendid redirect of a perfect pass from Theo Milianes at 4:36. Zach Partridge took over in goal for Alvirne-Milford and made one save on the one shot he faced. Goffstown then took three penalties of their own which gave the momentum back to the Admirals but the spread was too wide. Levi Griffin scored a powerplay goal at 12:43 on a pass from Jake Natola. That was about it. Goffstown won it, 8-3, and led in shots 33-29.

With Colin’s length and reach he actually took one shift in Tyngsboro and Nashua at the same time. (Photo by Charron)

If my abacus is correct and my Viking sunstone is accurate, Alvirne-Milford will play host to Oyster River on Wednesday, February 27th.

Goffstown will host a quarterfinal playoff game on Saturday, March 2nd, at 7:00 PM. It looks like the Grizzlies will play Merrimack in that quarterfinal matchup. The teams split a pair of decisions in the regular season.

Isaac McGregor leads a charge up ice at Alvirne-Milford. (Photo by Charron)

Grady Chretien lifts a shot up under the crossbar for his 25th goal of the year. (Sage photo)

Defense comes in all shapes and sizes, with Eric DesRuisseaux and Colin Burke. (Photo by Charron)

Stephen Provencher is a leader, as seen here, other players try to copy his every move. (Photo by Charron)

Sebastian Beal played with his normal drive and determination and had a pair of assists in the win. (Photo by Charron)

Devin Cote did some fine work on the penalty kill at Alvirne-Milford. (Photo by Charron)

Luke Ouellette got his 4th goal of the year on this play. (Photo by Charron)

Griffin scores one of his two goals against the Admirals. (Photo by Charron)

James might have been crouching but he wasn’t hiding from the spotlight, making some tremendous saves in the 8-3 win. (Photo by Charron)

Theo Milianes has been showing signs that he’s clicking again with his line. (Photo by Charron)

Jacob Noonan has been solid on defense this season. He’s a + nearly every night. (Photo by Charron)

These two came together and said something like, “The camera is right there. Where is Griffin for this photo opp? (Photo by Charron)

Bobby Pace approached Jacob Noonan and said, “I’ll be your 22.” A thoughtful gesture as Jake’s D partner #22 Brett Lassonde sat out the action. (Photo by Charron)

Luke Chase rounds the net for the Grizzlies against the Admirals. (Photo by Charron)

Colby Wright creates space for himself. He scored his first career goal in the win. (Photo by Charron)

NHIAA Hockey: Updated Records: Goffstown (14-3-1) Alvirne-Milford (8-8-2)

Skate 3, Tyngsboro, MA February 23, 2019. 1:30 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 1-3-4 = 8 Alvirne-Milford: 0-2-1 = 3

Shots:

Goffstown: 07-18-08 = 33 Alvirne-Milford: 12-08-09 = 29

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 11:45. Even. Colby Gamache (20) from Jacob Noonan (9).

2nd Alvirne-Milford at 4:10. Even. Damien Barahona from Levi Griffin.

2nd Goffstown at 5:10. PPG. Colby Gamache (21) from Colin Burke (15) and Sebastian Beal (30).

2nd Alvirne-Milford at 8:13. Even. Bobby Pace from Isaac Rogers.

2nd Goffstown at 10:15. Even. Griffin Cook (27) from Sebastian Beal (31) and Colby Gamache (27).

2nd Goffstown at 10:22. Even. Grady Chretien (25) unassisted.

3rd Goffstown at 1:35. 4 on 4. Griffin Cook (28) unassisted.

3rd Goffstown at 2:02. PPG. Colby Wright (1) from Grady Chretien (10).

3rd Goffstown at 4:08. PPG. Colin Burke (12) from Grady Chretien (11) and Colby Gamache (28).

3rd Goffstown at 4:36. PPG. Luke Ouellette (4) from Theo Milianes (4).

3rd Alvirne-Milford at 12:43. PPG. Levi Griffin from Jake Natola.

Penalties:Goffstown:

McGregor 2:00 Hook

DesRuisseaux 2:00 High Stick

Burke 2:00 Hold

Gamache 2:00 Hold

Provencher 2:00 Cross Check

McGregor 2:00 Interference

Alvirne-Milford:

Sullivan 2:00 Slash

Barahona 2:00 High Stick

Rogers 5:00 Checking from Behind

Rogers 10:00 Game misconduct DQ

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 4 for 5. Alvirne-Milford Power Play: 1 for 5.

Saves: Goffstown: James Amorelli 26 of 29. (45:00)

Alvirne-Milford: Jackson Dowd 24 of 32. (34:26)

Alvirne-Milford: Zach Partridge 1 of 1 (10:24)

Hockey: Goffstown 8 at Alvirne-Milford 3 Skate 3, Tyngsboro, MA - February 23, 2019: Goffstown had clinched their place in the playoff seeding earlier in the week and the outcome on Saturday had no effect on their tournament placement.

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casorasi · 7 years

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Guertin hockey cruises past Nor’hegan

Boys Hockey Bishop Guertin 10, North-Souhegan 1 Jordan Caito and Aaron Pratt each scored two goals and paced the Cardinals (7-3-2) to a rout of the Saber-Titans (1-10) on Saturday at Skate 3. Bishop Guertin led 6-0 after the first period, and built a 10-0 cushion through two. Cam Fagan, Matt Zeichick, Chase Blazak, Aidan Wilkie, Jake Rodrigue and Ben Peterson all found the back of the net for the Cardinals. Jeremiah Latham scored for the Saber-Titans, while BG goalie Thomas Norton tallied four saves to earn the win. Merrimack 8, Alvirne 1 John Tiano netted a hat trick and Jeff Gerhard added two goals and an assist to pace the Tomahawks to victory at Skate 3. Zack Richard, Isaiah Kepnes and Stephen Licata also scored for Merrimack (5-6-1), while Remy Tupper (two), Matt Warrington, Owen O'Brien and Greg Bourque had assists. Dennis Rattunde made 18 saves in net for the win. Cole Taylor scored the lone goal for Alvirne (2-11). Wrestling BG beats Central, falls to Pinkerton Dan Franco (145 pounds) and Matt Hauntsman (152) each wrestled their way to two victories apiece, but the Cardinals split their dual meets on Saturday in Derry. During a 48-33 setback to the Astros, Guertin received winning efforts from Anthony Sanchez (120, pin), Steve Bouchard (126, pin), Franco (9-2 decision), Hauntsman (pin), Hunter McLaughlin (160, pin) and Nick Connerty (285, pin). The Cardinals beat Manchester Central on the strength of victories from Matt Frechette (138, pin), Franco (pin) and Hauntsman (10-3 decision), along with five forfeits. Spartans top Pinkerton, Memorial Ricky DeBernardo (152 pounds) earned a pair of pins, helping Milford to two victories in Derry on Saturday. During a 37-34 triumph over host Pinkerton, DeBernardo and Dom Goulette (195) pinned their opponents, while the Spartans also received victories from Ethan Briggs (132, major decision), Maverick Dodier (145, injury default), Caleb Wiig (160, decision), Kyle Faucher-Clancy (170, decision) and George Horta (182, decision). Milford rolled to a 54-18 win over Manchester Memorial, thanks in part to a slew of forfeits. Guertin hockey cruises past Nor’hegan

#Guertin hockey cruises past Nor’hegan

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1inawesomewonder · 5 years

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From Sullivan Arena in Goffstown, NH – January 12, 2019:

Goffstown returned to home ice for the first time in four weeks, and they played like it was good to be home. The Grizzlies got a pair of goals from Griffin Cook in the opening 2 minutes and never looked back.

The opening period was a little odd because Goffstown led 2-0 very early and then didn’t score again in the frame. They scored on their first two shots but over the final 13 minutes of the period, they outshot the Alvirne-Milford Admirals just 12-9. Actually, the Admirals had several chances to score in the opening period but Madeline Sage held them scoreless. First, Cook scored from Colby Gamache and Colin Burke at 0:41, on a nice possession and series of passes. Then Cook netted an unassisted goal at 2:00. I know that the final score ended up being 6-1 in favor of the home team, but somehow I don’t feel it really sums up the body of action that played out on the ice at Sullivan Arena. At 9:21 of the period Sage made a great save on a break in by Anthony Viola when he took the puck from Jacob Noonan on another failed D to D bid. At 11:08 of the period Alvirne-Milford turned nothing into a scoring bid and they ripped a shot past Sage in the net but the puck smacked the crossbar and caromed away. The Admirals also had a pair of crossing passes for one-timers right at the crease which were either broken up on the shot or whiffed on entirely by the offensive players. Goffstown led 2-0 at the break yet, the lead wasn’t even that big.

Stephen Provencher looks for a play against the Admirals. (Photo by Charron)

He shoots! He hits the glass behind the net! (Photo by Charron)

Luke Chase with the puck against Alvirne-Milford. (Photo by Charron)

Alex McCarthy looks to move the puck at St. A’s. (Photo by Charron)

Melanie Riendeau was a +1 against Alvirne-Milford. (Photo by Charron)

Jake Noonan on the move. (Photo by Charron)

The motor is running as Brett Lassonde heads up ice. (Photo by Charron)

McCarthy on the faceoff against Damien Barahona. (Photo by Charron)

The Chretien formula is a good, accurate wrist shot. (Photo by Charron)

Griffin Cook has been on fire since 2019 started. (Photo by Charron)

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. (Photo by Charron)

Sean Hunter works on his turns at Sullivan Arena. (Photo by Charron)

The Big E lets a low hard slapper rip. (Photo by Charron)

Eric DesRuisseaux stick handles against Alvirne-Milford. (Photo by Charron)

Great shot of Colin Burke letting a shot go against the Admirals. (Photo by Charron)

So much action in the crease, featuring Isaac McGregor. (Photo by Charron)

Luke Ouellette gets a shot past the defender. (Photo by Charron)

Colby Gamache has something stuck to his glove. (Photo by Charron)

In the second period, which has been a nemesis of sorts for Goffstown this year, things looked bad again, very early. First, Colby Gamache took a slashing penalty and the Admirals had the first 3 shots of the period, and quickly. Maddie Sage made the saves and at the end of the penalty kill, Brett Lassonde broke free off of a Sage save and almost sprung for a breakaway chance. Anthony Viola never quit hustling and somehow caught Lassonde from behind and poke-checked the puck away at the last second while not committing a penalty. Less than a minute later Colin Burke tried to jump into the offensive play but the puck eluded his stick and the Admirals were off and running. Again, Sage made a nice save and more importantly did not allow a rebound with a pair Admirals right in front of her. One thing about this club from Alvirne-Milford, they don’t stop skating, and quite frankly, they skate really well.

Midway through the period, Goffstown had really stemmed the tide and turned the offensive chances largely in their favor. The Grizzlies were piling up chances one after another. Sebastian Beal finally scored a nice goal set up by Griffin Cook and Colby Gamache at 7:37 to give the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead. At 10:13, just 3 seconds after Damien Barahona had exited the penalty box after serving his time, Jacob Noonan scored from the left point, set up by Calvin Sage. Then at 12:02 of the period Goffstown struck again when Colby Gamache took a pass from Sebastian Beal and put it into the back of the net. Alvirne-Milford would end the period with just 4 shots after starting the period with 3 quick shots. Goffstown had 14 more and led the shot total, 28-13 after two periods.

Colby Gamache nets a goal for the Grizzlies. (Photo by Charron)

The third period was one of those weird timeframes where the home team led by five goals, so the lines get used at depth, and maybe some things get juggled. Then again, this Admirals club doesn’t ever quit so the outcome isn’t really decided until all things play out. See last year’s game when trailing 9-2, Alvirne scored 4 goals in the final period to make things interesting.

So, as it would go, Levi Griffin barrelled into the offensive end and scored a goal for the Admirals at 0:56. The goal was set up by Anthony Viola. Big deal, right? 5-1 game in the third period. Again, Alvirne-Milford had numerous point-blank chances in the final period where a connection on a one-timer could have added a goal, or two, maybe even three. The chances were definitely there. Goffstown’s Grady Chretien scored an unassisted goal at 4:18 to bring the lead back to five goals. Jackson Dowd spelled Zach Partridge in net for the Admirals after Partridge made 23 saves on 28 shots after 30 minutes. Dowd even took one of the three Admiral penalties they received in the final period, which certainly stemmed any come back bid. Goffstown was poised though, not reacting too much to chippy play, or contact being made after the whistle. To Alvirne-Milford’s defense though, they had chances throughout the game to be much more physical and possibly chippy, and until the last 7 minutes of the game, they mostly took the high road. Goffstown led in shots again, 9-6, but there were probably another 6 shots that the Admirals either missed the net or failed to connect on the shot. The Grizzlies returned to home ice with a 6-1 win against an opponent they’ll see again at the end of the regular season.

Goffstown plays another home game on Wednesday night the 16th, against a much improved Merrimack squad. Then, of course, the 7th Annual Comedy Night happens on the 19th. Goffstown will have some time off after Wednesday’s game and won’t play until they travel to play Portsmouth-Newmarket on January 25th.

Around the league last night, Keene got goals from four different goal scorers to beat Merrimack 4-0. Dover stayed undefeated with 4-0 win against rival Spaulding. Portsmouth-Newmarket improved to 4-1-1 beating Winnacunnet 2-1 in OT. Lebanon-Stevens-Mt. Royal went to Kingswood and left town with a 1-0 win.

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated Records:

Goffstown (6-1-1)

Alvirne-Milford (3-3-1)

Sullivan Arena, Goffstown, NH

January 12, 2019. 7:30 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 2-3-1 = 6 Alvirne-Milford: 0-0-1 = 1

Shots:

Goffstown: 14-14-09 = 37

Alvirne-Milford: 09-04-06 = 19

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 0:41. Even. Griffin Cook (16) from Colby Gamache (14) and Colin Burke (9).

1st Goffstown at 2:00. Even. Griffin Cook (17) unassisted.

2nd Goffstown at 7:37. Even. Sebastian Beal (10) from Griffin Cook (16) and Colby Gamache (15).

2nd Goffstown at 10:13. Even. Jacob Noonan (2) from Calvin Sage (1).

2nd Goffstown at 12:02. Even. Colby Gamache (12) from Sebastian Beal (18).

3rd Alvirne-Milford at 0:56. Even. Levi Griffin from Anthony Viola.

3rd Goffstown at 4:18. Even. Grady Chretien (14) unassisted.

Penalties:

Goffstown:

Colby Gamache 2:00

Alvirne-Milford:

Jake Natola 2:00

Damien Barahona 2:00

Anthony DeRosa 2:00

Jake Natola 2:00

Jackson Dowd 2:00

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 0 for 5. Alvirne-Milford Power Play: 0 for 1.

Saves:

Goffstown: Madeline Sage 18 of 19. (45:00)

Alvirne-Milford: Zach Partridge 23 of 28. (30:00)

Alvirne-Milford: Jackson Dowd 8 of 9. (15:00)

Hockey: Goffstown 6 vs. Alvirne-Milford 1 From Sullivan Arena in Goffstown, NH - January 12, 2019: Goffstown returned to home ice for the first time in four weeks, and they played like it was good to be home.

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1inawesomewonder · 3 years

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Hockey: Goffstown 8 at Alvirne-Milford 1

When I got home and walked through the door last night, mentioning that I had information about the Goffstown Grizzlies hockey game at Alvirne-Milford as I entered, I was greeted with excitement and questions. Continue reading

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#@1inawesomewondr #@GoffstownHockey #@GoffstownSports #Goffstown Hockey #NH hockey #NHIAA Hockey

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casorasi · 7 years

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Chandonnet hits milestone, Milford prevails

Wrestling Milford 47, Campbell 24 Campbell senior Dayton Chandonnet collected his 100th career victory with a win by fall, but the Spartans prevailed at home. Milford's Ricky DeBernardo (152 pounds), Mike McGuire (160), George Horta (195), Dominic Goulette (220) and Tyler Deihle (285) all pinned their Cougar opponents. Matt DiGiosio (106) won by a 13-2 major decision, while Maverick Dodier (145) earned a 13-4 victory for a major decision. Aside from the milestone triumph for Chandonnet, Campbell's victors also included Ben LaBatt (120), Brendan Douglas (126) and Tyler O'Mara (132). Milford will travel to Spaulding on Wednesday for a 5 p.m. dual meet. Hockey Alvirne 9, Winnacunnet 2 Kyle Sintiris racked up four goals and an assist, pacing the Broncos (1-3) to their first win. Doug Herling scored a goal with three assists, while Damin Barahona tallied two goals and two assists, and Ian Morse and Oliver Thomas netted a goal apiece. Jackie Dowd made 25 saves in the net to earn the victory, while Bobby Pace, Jake Natalo, Levi Griffin and Justin Hudgins all played excellent on defense during a great overall effort from Alvirne, which travels to Keene on Wednesday. HB/Derryfield 7, Sanborn 4 Sam Poisson tallied three goals and two assists on Sunday to help the Warriors (2-3) notch their second win of the season. Patrick MacDonald scored the first goal of his high school carer and also had an assist, while Dylan Terenzoni recorded a goal and two helpers. Stew Arend (goal), Aidan Chretien (goal), Cam Bishop (assist), Connor Glosner (assist) and Nick Dapolito (assist) all found themselves on the scoring sheet by the end of the game for the Warriors. Nick Derenzo, a freshman, got the call between the pipes for HB/D and came up big with 22 saves. Unified basketball Nashua North 86, Alvirne 84 Jacob Breen scored 20 points and Matthew Umali added 18 points to help the Titans edge the Broncos in a high-scoring affair on Monday. Bowling Guertin tops Sabers, falls to Goffstown The Bishop Guertin bowling team squared off with Souhegan and Goffstown on Saturday and beat the Sabers, but came up short against the Grizzlies in standard bowling and the baker round. BG topped Souhegan 2-0 in the baker round, before Goffstown edged the Cardinals 2-1 in the final. Freshman Josh Pressard bowled very well for the Cardinals, along with Nick Coughlin Mike Pavletich, Greg Philips and Kayla Fitzgibbons. Chandonnet hits milestone, Milford prevails

#Chandonnet hits milestone #Milford prevails

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1inawesomewonder · 4 years

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From the Whittemore Center, UNH, Durham, NH – Saturday, February 22, 2020

In what turned out to be, maybe, the best game of the season so far, the Grizzlies found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 count. Both teams played excellent hockey, especially the goaltenders. The game was tied after the first, tied after the second, and one goal in the third was the difference.

It’s amazing to me that some teams enjoy as much success as they do, especially if it’s year after year. There are so many dynamics that play into every moment on the ice on any given day or night. I could list more distractions, stumbling blocks, and opportunities for failure than anyone would care to read. I write this only because many, if not all teams go through things that would be on the list, but some teams seem to find a way to win, to succeed, to grow, better than others. I know some of the stories, or maybe just a few. I also know there are many more that I know nothing of. Then I look around a rink like I did Saturday night and see who is there, who isn’t there, who was here last year, or even earlier this year. And I wonder how is this team, or that, so good? Or at least how is it that they have the record they have? Anyway, there is something to be said for an atmosphere that allows players the room to make mistakes but also an environment in which to grow, create, and thrive. That’s what I felt in the rink Saturday night.

(Sage Photo)

I was already a little bit down on my way to the UNH campus for the Goffstown game the other night after my youngest son’s team lost a tough 1-0 tournament game just an hour earlier. As history would repeat, being at the rink and around the hockey family already makes me feel better just by proximity. Then, to watch an exciting game played by two good teams playing at a high level all night, even though the team I cheer for lost, it was hard not to feel good about the many positives displayed on the evening.

Oyster River ultimately won the game 3-2. They had two goals called off in the first period. One goal was waived off for being kicked into the net. Ok, fair enough. The second one was blown dead after James Amorelli made a great save and the puck was still near his pad, at the goal line but the ref lost sight of it and blew the play dead before the puck was driven into the net. Oyster River overcame the misfortune and kept doing what they do. They play sound, structured hockey and rarely beat themselves. That is not to say that Goffstown had no effect in the matter because they certainly did. The Bobcats relied on every layer of defense they could muster, which often meant that Claden Daubney was the last straw that just wouldn’t break. What a game.

(Sage Photo)

Oyster River scored first, at 3:13 when Alden Swiesz was set up by Andy Carlson and Lucas Hamilton. The Grizzlies answered two minutes later when Colby Gamache scored on a backhand shot in tight. Grady Chretien and Xavier Bibaud had assists on the goal. For Colby, it was his 50th career goal, making him only the fifth Grizzlie player to eclipse that mark. Add Colby to the 50-career goal club with Grady Chretien (77), Dan Mercier (60), Noah Charron (60), and Sean Naughton (54). The first period would end with the score tied 1-1. The Bobcats outshot the Grizzlies 13-9, and it seemed the margin was wider than that but Goffstown did pick up their play and finish the period with a flurry.

The second period may have been the Grizzlies best middle period of the season. They played with great speed and intensity, and if it wasn’t for Daubney making one great save after another, Goffstown may have built a lead in this game. At 2:17 of the period he made a brilliant save to keep the game at 1-1. The Grizzlies mounted offensive attack after offensive attack. Then, on the power play, the Grizzlies gave up a shorthanded chance but James Amorelli made a sensational save on Alden Swiesz to hold the fort. At 11:57 of the period, despite all of the offensive work done, the Grizzlies fell behind 2-1. Amorelli made the initial save but Jack Poitras was able to put the puck in the net. The Grizzlies kept coming. Then with 3 seconds left in the second period, Drew O’Brien scored from Grady Chretien in a literal storm of Grizzlies in front of the net. The game was tied again, at 2-2. Goffstown outshot the Bobcats 17-9 in the period but could not pull ahead on the scoreboard.

(Sage Photo)

There was just one goal scored in the final period and it was scored by John Kell, from Corum Nichols at 3:49 of the period after the Grizzlies had a chance to keep the puck in at the offensive blue line. It just wasn’t to be. Amorelli and Daubney continued to make saves, including a fantastic stop from Amorelli at 12:35 of the period. Goffstown called their timeout at 13:46, and pulled Amorelli for an extra attacker at 13:58. James ended up out of the net for about 40 total seconds but the Grizzlies could not score the equalizer. Both teams played a great game, and it was fun to watch two teams playing at such a level. Goffstown had 33 shots to Oyster River’s 28. Each team was assessed just one penalty in the game, just about everything in this game was even.

Goffstown dropped to 12-5 in league play with just one regular season game remaining. Goffstown will host Alvirne-Milford on Friday night at St. Anselm College for their Senior Night at 7:15 pm.

(Sage Photo)

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated records.

Goffstown (12-8-0) vs. Oyster River (12-3-1)

Whittemore Center, Durham, NH

Saturday, February 22, 2020. 7:20 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 1-1-0 = 2

Oyster River: 1-1-1 = 3

Shots:

Goffstown: 09-17-07 = 33

Oyster River: 13-09-06 = 28

Scoring:

1st Oyster River at 3:13. Even. Alden Swiesz from Andy Carlson and Lucas Hamilton.

1st Goffstown at 5:13. Even. Colby Gamache (18) from Grady Chretien (12) and Xavier Bibaud (15).

2nd Oyster River at 11:57. Even. Jack Poitras unassisted.

2nd Goffstown at 14:57. Even. Drew O’Brien (6) from Grady Chretien (13).

3rd Oyster River at 3:49. Even. John Kell from Corum Nichols.

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 0 for 1.

Oyster River Power Play: 0 for 1.

Saves:

Goffstown: James Amorelli 25 of 28. (44:)

Oyster River: Claden Daubney 31 of 33. (45:00)

Standings: Boys Ice Hockey Division II

NOTE: The following are not official NHIAA standings. They are only the accumulation of game results as reported by the athletic directors and coaches.

Click here to view the schedules for all of the teams below.

School W L T Points Rating Keene 10 2 2 46.00 3.2857 Merrimack 11 3 1 47.00 3.1333 Oyster River 12 3 1 50.00 3.1250 Goffstown 12 5 0 49.00 2.8824 St. Thomas Aquinas 11 4 1 46.00 2.8750 Somersworth-Coe-Brown 9 6 1 38.00 2.3750 Dover 9 7 0 36.00 2.2500 Kingswood 7 9 0 28.00 1.7500 Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal 6 9 1 26.00 1.6250 Portsmouth-Newmarket 6 10 0 24.00 1.5000 Winnacunnet 3 13 1 14.50 0.8529 Alvirne-Milford 2 13 0 8.00 0.5333 Spaulding 2 15 0 8.00 0.4706

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This first line has turned out to be quite potent this season, scoring a whopping 64 goals combined. (Sage Photo)

The Grizzlies did a great job shutting down the Bobcat offensive zone structure. (Sage Photo)

Colby Gamache became the fifth 50-career-goal scorer in Goffstown Hockey history. (Sage Photo)

Jackson didn’t get on the scoresheet with any points but he was a player to be reckoned with all night. (Sage Photo)

~ Thank you Maureen, your photos are fantastic!

Honestly these articles are so much better with your contributions.

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

The thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors, mostly mine, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the schools, coaches, players, or characters listed in any of these blog posts. Or, maybe they do, but you would have to ask them directly. Either way, “It’s a great day for hockey” ~ the late “Badger” Bob Johnson.

Hockey: Goffstown 2 at Oyster River 3 From the Whittemore Center, UNH, Durham, NH - Saturday, February 22, 2020 In what turned out to be, maybe, the best game of the season so far, the Grizzlies found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 count.

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1inawesomewonder · 4 years

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From Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH – Wednesday, February 19, 2020

For the second time in four days, the Grizzlies came out and more or less shut down an opponent for the first period. In doing so against Portsmouth-Newmarket on Sunday, and then against Winnacunnet on Wednesday night, Goffstown built 1-0 leads in each game and set themselves up for eventual victories. Goffstown ultimately pulled away in the 3rd period and beat the Winnacunnet Warriors, 7-2.

I know I started this by saying the Grizzlies shut down the opponent in the first period, and that had a lot to do with their starting goaltender. First of all, both Maddie Sage for Goffstown and Jack Ellis for Winnacunnet were called on to make big saves in the opening minute of the game, and they did so. At 1:18 of the period Sage made a huge save on a point blank chance from Carter Renaud. The save came seconds before Jackson Burke picked off a Winnacunnet centering pass and threaded a pass ahead to Grady Chretien who skated in, deked, and scored on Jack Ellis at 1:30 of the period. After all was said and done one might think that Ellis had a tough night in net, but he made several tremendous saves on the night including a great save against Jackson Burke at the 11-minute mark. Goffstown would end the period with a lopsided advantage in shots on goal, 15-5, and a 1-0 lead on the scoreboard.

In the second period, the Grizzlies kept on piling up scoring chances but the game remained a one-goal game. At 5:54 of the middle period, the Warriors made a nice play in the defensive zone and used their speed to quickly turn it into a 2-on-1 chance. Chaz Ziolkowski put the puck between his legs and out in front him as he bolted up the left wing. As he pushed the puck up ice he crossed a pass to Jacob Giacolone who had matched his speed up the right wing. Giacolone walked in and was robbed by a Sage right toe save with some help from the backchecking Grady Chretien. And again, the great save set the table for another Grizzlie goal, this time just 25 seconds later. Colby Gamache did some grinding work in the corner and dumped the puck down low to Chretien. When Gamache came out of the corner, two Warriors skated with him for just a second which created a sliver of room for Chretien to skate in the wake and rip a shot into the back of the net. The Chretien goal, from Gamache, came at 6:21 and gave Goffstown a 2-0 lead. Then, at 7:33 of the period, Luc Ouellette, who had his best game of the season, set up the next Grizzlie goal. Luc secured the puck in the left wing corner before hitting Theo Milianes with a pass just inside the left wing boards. Milianes took the pass and cut through the circle to fire a shot that barely bounced under the arm, and through Ellis for the goal.

Goffstown had a 3-0 lead with time running down in the second period. The Grizzlies hadn’t been completely immune to any scoring chances against them but when the Warriors had a chance, Madeline Sage made some huge, as well as timely saves to keep the visitors off of the scoreboard. At 12:41 of the period that all changed when Chaz Ziolkowski sprinted out of the left wing corner with the puck after being pinned by Colby Wright and Jackson Burke. Chaz skated a straight line to the low slot without resistance and ripped a shot past Sage to make it 3-1. For a few moments Goffstown no longer appeared to be matching the intensity of their opponent and it cost them. When Isaac McGregor was isolated at the left point and his decision with the puck was somewhere in between a pass and a hard wrap around, Conor Belcher pilfered the puck and burst into the neutral zone on his own. Nobody could catch Belcher en route to a breakaway goal that just had enough mustard to get through the pads of Sage. The score was 3-2 after two periods in favor of Goffstown, but the story to this point was really goaltending. Goffstown held a 32-12 advantage in shots on goal but Jack Ellis was doing everything possible to keep his team in the game. Odd as it may seem, Sage had contributed some tremendous, timely saves in the limited action she had seen which also kept the Grizzlies from falling behind early.

In the final period, the Grizzlies scored in the first 10 seconds and really pulled away from there. On the opening face-off Theo Milianes snagged a loose puck at center ice and quickly hit Jackson Burke with a pass. Burke skated up the left wing and smartly flipped a backhand pass across to Luc Ouellette who pounded the puck into the open net on the east-west pass play. Then something that has happened numerous times to Goffstown in the month of February, happened again, only this time, in their favor. After Ellis made yet another save, on a Chretien shot this time, the Warriors clearing attempt found the stick of Xavier Bibaud. Bibaud quickly let a shot go and the puck hit Winnacunnet traffic in front of the net but dropped right on to the stick of Chretien. Chretien scored while Ellis was still reacting to the initial shot from Bibaud and Goffstown led 5-2 at the 1:56 mark. Then in an example of how the game had really tilted in the Grizzlies’ favor after dominating play for so much of the game, Goffstown scored while shorthanded. This time Milianes broke up a play in his own end and the puck bounced toward Eric DesRuisseaux who wound up and pounded the puck the length of the ice and off of the end boards behind Ellis. Ellis didn’t play the carom correctly and the puck slid out in front of him. Somehow the only player hustling to that spot on the ice was Luc Ouellette who slid the puck into the net immediately for the shorthanded goal at 4:35. Goffstown finished the scoring at 9:49 when Colby Gamache purposely flipped a clearing attempt straight up and off of the boards out to center ice after a defensive zone face-off. Chretien handled the bouncing puck and created a semi-breakaway chance where he shook off the backcheck while making a move and shooting the puck into the net. Goffstown would go on to win it, 7-2. The Grizzlies had 46 shots on goal to just 20 for the Warriors. Both numbers were deceiving for different reasons but the goaltenders both played really well in this game.

Goffstown improved to 12-4 in league play and have just two regular season games remaining. Goffstown travels out to UNH to play a very good Oyster River club on Saturday night, Feb. 22nd at 7pm. Then the Grizzlies wrap up the regular season with their Senior Night against Alvirne-Milford on Feb. 28th at 7:15pm at St. A’s.

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated records.

Goffstown (12-7-0) vs. Winnacunnet (3-13-1)

Sullivan Arena, Goffstown, NH

Wednesday, February 19, 2020. 8:06 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 1-2-4 = 7

Winnacunnet: 0-2-0 = 2

Shots:

Goffstown: 15-17-14 = 46

Winnacunnet: 05-07-08 = 20

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 1:30. Even. Grady Chretien (37) from Jackson Burke (10).

2nd Goffstown at 6:21. Even. Grady Chretien (38) from Colby Gamache (26).

2nd Goffstown at 7:33. Even. Theo Milianes (3) from Luc Ouellette (5).

2nd Winnacunnet at 12:41. Even. Chaz Ziolkowski unassisted.

2nd Winnacunnet at 13:14. Even. Conor Belcher unassisted.

3rd Goffstown at 0:10. Even. Luc Ouellette (2) from Jackson Burke (11) and Theo Milianes (13).

3rd Goffstown at 1:56. Even. Grady Chretien (39) from Xavier Bibaud (14).

3rd Goffstown at 14:04. SHG. Luc Ouellette (3) from Eric DesRuisseaux (13) and Theo Milianes (14).

3rd Goffstown at 9:49. Even. Grady Chretien (40) from Colby Gamache (27).

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 0 for 2.

Winnacunnet Power Play: 0 for 3.

Saves:

Goffstown: Maddie Sage 18 of 20. (44:55)

Winnacunnet: Jack Ellis 39 of 46. (45:00)

Standings: Boys Ice Hockey Division II

NOTE: The following are not official NHIAA standings. They are only the accumulation of game results as reported by the athletic directors and coaches.

Click here to view the schedules for all of the teams below.

School W L T Points Rating Keene 9 2 2 41.00 3.1538 Merrimack 10 3 1 43.00 3.0714 Goffstown 12 4 0 49.00 3.0625 Oyster River 10 3 1 42.00 3.0000 St. Thomas Aquinas 10 4 1 42.00 2.8000 Somersworth-Coe-Brown 9 6 1 38.00 2.3750 Kingswood 7 7 0 28.00 2.0000 Dover 7 7 0 28.00 2.0000 Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal

26.00

1.7333

Portsmouth-Newmarket 6 10 0 24.00 1.5000 Winnacunnet 3 13 1 14.50 0.8529 Alvirne-Milford 2 13 0 8.00 0.5333 Spaulding 2 14 0 8.00 0.5000

Sage Page

(Sage Photo)

~ Thank you Maureen, your photos are fantastic!

Honestly these articles are so much better with your contributions.

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

Hockey: Goffstown 7 vs. Winnacunnet 2 From Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH - Wednesday, February 19, 2020 For the second time in four days, the Grizzlies came out and more or less shut down an opponent for the first period.

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1inawesomewonder · 4 years

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What a nice surprise the addition of Drew O’Brien has been to the Grizzlies program this season. (Sage Photo)

From Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH – Sunday, February 16, 2020

Perhaps the best thing about the shellacking that the Grizzlies took out in Keene on Saturday night was that they had less than 24 hours to think about it as they had to return to the ice for another game. Yesterday afternoon, at Sullivan Arena, Goffstown welcomed the Clipper Mules of Portsmouth-Newmarket for the only game in Division II hockey. Goffstown held their opponents to one shot on goal in the first period. Then scored five goals over ten minutes in the middle period to go on and earn a much needed 8-5 victory when all was said and done.

Maybe it was just a good night’s sleep or maybe a self reflection and renewal to taking care of the details. Either way, the Grizzlies came out and played an outstanding first period of hockey against the visitors from Portsmouth-Newmarket. Goffstown held the Clipper Mules to one shot on goal, which didn’t come until the 14:00 mark, and created 13 shots of their own. Jackson Burke who was flying all over the place all afternoon ripped a slick backhand off of the post at 2:47 of the period, but that counted for neither a shot, nor a goal. Goffstown got on the board at 11:25 of the period when Eric DesRuisseaux led a nice breakout and pass to Drew O’Brien. The puck ended up on Grady Chretien’s stick and Grady pushed the puck past Jack Bussiere in net to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. The first period would end the score 1-0, and Goffstown out shooting the Clipper Mules, 13-1.

Eric DesRuisseaux and the defensive unit had a great game on Sunday, save the penalty kill. (Sage Photo)

In the second period Goffstown had 13 shots again but this time many of their scoring chances were vastly improved. Despite the tremendous offensive outburst, a sign of things to come showed up in the first 90 seconds of the period. Goffstown took their second minor penalty of the game, and this time, Portsmouth-Newmarket cashed in with a goal. It took the Clipper Mules just 20 seconds of power play time to tie the game at 1-1. Andrew Madden scored from Jack Suhesky on a nice move, shot, and rebound play at 1:26. Goffstown took the lead for good at 4:13 of the period after Jackson Burke used his speed and skill to get to the offensive zone before dishing a beautiful pass to Grady Chretien who finished from there. At 6:51 of the period, on the power play, the Grizzlies scored on Eric Purcell’s first career goal right at the net’s doorstep. Eric DesRuisseaux had an assist on the play. Then at 8:31 Drew O’Brien, Grady Chretien, and Colby Gamache teamed up to give the Grizzlies a 4-1 lead, with O’Brien getting the goal. On back-to-back shifts Jackson Burke scored a pair of goals, at 12:16 and 14:36 respectively. The first one came on a great pass from Luc Ouellette and Burke buried the shot. The second was a nice touch pass from Theo Milianes while shorthanded that sent Jackson in on a complete breakaway all alone. Burke is an exciting player to watch, already possessing outrageous skills. He plays with great speed and a near reckless abandon. He is a player to watch as he matures and grows stronger, and if he ever masters the old, give the pick up to get it back approach he could be unstoppable. Goffstown led 6-1 after two periods. They outshot the Clipper Mules 13-7 in the second period.

Here, I unveil the nickname, Jackson “Breakaway” Burke. He had a big game against the Clipper Mules. (Sage Photo)

The third period wasn’t a total surprise from the standpoint of Portsmouth-Newmarket’s compete level despite trailing by five goals. Look at their schedule, they compete and battle every single night. So, when they scored on the power play, again, just 38 seconds into the period, their resolve earned a boost. Luke Suhesky scored the goal on a set up from Jack Suhesky. Goffstown answered quickly with a highlight reel worthy goal scored by Colby Gamache on a breakaway. Trailing by 4 goals at the time, Portsmouth-Newmarket started taking more risks trying to get back in the game and Grady Chretien made them pay with a pilfer and pass to set up Colby’s dash at 1:55. The Clipper Mules kept coming on though, scoring goals at 7:11, 8:51, and 13:44, all on the power play. For some reason it seemed like the Grizzlies were taking out every little injustice they ever felt, including any happening in the present, and somehow turned it into a wild west lack of discipline. Did the officials miss any calls that were worthy of penalties on Portsmouth-Newmarket? Of course. But even on a day when things were overwhelmingly going their way it seemed like the Grizzlies wanted to retaliate and/or sulk about the treatment. This is where leadership, maturity, and the choices made in reacting to adversity come in to play. It is conceivable that if the Grizzlies stayed out of the box through better decision making they may have had a running time third period in their favor just as it had gone against them a night earlier. That’s not to take anything away from the Clipper Mules. I realize that it takes another team to draw penalties and Portsmouth-Newmarket just kept attacking.

Colby Wright is another sleek skating member of the Grizzlies this season. (Sage Photo)

After Skyler Mikolaities scored from Ryan Higgins and Noah Foster; and Madden scored from the Suhesky’s; and Mike Durkin scored from David Blodgett; the Grizzlies only led 7-5 with 1:16 to play.

Portsmouth-Newmarket called their timeout and pulled Jack Bussiere from the net after the timeout. It took twenty seconds for Goffstown to slam the door when Grady Chretien nailed an empty net goal from Drew O’Brien. All in all, the Grizzlies had 40 shots on goal to just 19 for the group from the seacoast. On the other hand, Portsmouth-Newmarket didn’t need a lot of shots to cash in on 4 of 6 power plays.

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated records.

Goffstown (11-7-0) vs. Portsmouth-Newmarket (5-10-0)

Sullivan Arena, Goffstown, NH

Sunday, February 16, 2020. 4:30 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 1-5-2 = 8

Portsmouth-Newmarket: 0-1-4 = 5

Shots:

Goffstown: 13-13-14 = 40

Portsmouth-Newmarket: 01-07-11 = 19

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 11:25. Even. Grady Chretien from Drew O’Brien and Eric DesRuisseaux.

2nd Portsmouth-Newmarket at 1:26. PPG. Andrew Madden from Jack Suhesky.

2nd Goffstown at 4:13. Even. Grady Chretien from Jackson Burke.

2nd Goffstown at 6:51. PPG. Eric Purcell from Eric DesRuisseaux.

2nd Goffstown at 8:31. Even. Drew O’Brien from Grady Chretien and Colby Gamache.

2nd Goffstown at 12:16. Even. Jackson Burke from Luc Ouellette.

2nd Goffstown at 14:36. SHG. Jackson Burke from Theo Milianes.

3rd Portsmouth-Newmarket at 0:38. PPG. Luke Suhesky from Jack Suhesky.

3rd Goffstown at 1:55. Even. Colby Gamache from Grady Chretien.

3rd Portsmouth-Newmarket at 7:11. PPG. Skyler Mikolaities from Ryan Higgins and Noah Foster.

3rd Portsmouth-Newmarket at 8:51. PPG. Andrew Madden from Luke Suhesky and Jack Suhesky.

3rd Portsmouth-Newmarket at 13:44. PPG. Mike Durkin from David Blodgett.

3rd Goffstown at 14:04. Empty. Grady Chretien from Drew O’Brien.

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 1 for 3

Portsmouth-Newmarket Power Play: 4 for 6.

Saves:

Goffstown: James Amorelli 14 of 19. (44:53)

Portsmouth-Newmarket: Jack Bussiere 32 of 39. (44:40)

Standings: Boys Ice Hockey Division II

NOTE: The following are not official NHIAA standings. They are only the accumulation of game results as reported by the athletic directors and coaches.

Click here to view the schedules for all of the teams below.

Rank School W L T Points Rating 1 St. Thomas Aquinas 10 3 1 42.00 3.0000 2 Keene 8 2 2 36.00 3.0000 3 Goffstown 11 4 0 44.00 2.9333 4 Oyster River 9 3 1 38.00 2.9231 5 Merrimack 9 3 1 38.00 2.9231 6 Somersworth-Coe-Brown 9 5 1 38.00 2.5333 7 Dover 7 7 0 28.00 2.0000 8 Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal 6 7 0 24.00 1.8462 9 Kingswood 5 7 0 20.00 1.6667 10 Portsmouth-Newmarket 5 8 0 20.00 1.5385 11 Winnacunnet 3 10 1 14.00 1.0000 12 Alvirne-Milford 2 12 0 8.00 0.5714 13 Spaulding 2 13 0 8.00 0.5333

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#gallery-0-4 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-4 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-4 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Theo moves the puck well and made several nice passes on Sunday. (Sage Photo)

The Big E, Eric Purcell scored his first career goal, on the power play no less. (Sage Photo)

Sean Hunter is getting limited time this season with the influx of talented youngsters, but he still hasn’t seen a hit he didn’t like. (Sage Photo)

Grady Chretien is compiling a season that has Grizzlie fans on the edges of their seats when he has the puck. (Sage Photo)

Colby Gamache is having another fantastic season and has become one of the all-time leading scorers in Goffstown hockey history. (Sage Photo)

Since Isaac has been back in the lineup after an early season injury, his skating ability at the blue line has been a huge asset to the Grizzlies team. (Sage Photo)

Calvin Sage plays with energy and determination that not everyone gets to. Jack Wilkinson is another talented freshman that could put up big numbers in coming years. (Sage Photo)

The Grizzlies got back on the winning side with an 8-5 decision against Portsmouth-Newmarket on Sunday. (Sage Photo)

Chretien and the Grizzlies score a beautiful goal on Sunday afternoon. (Sage Photo)

~ Thank you Maureen, your photos are fantastic!

Honestly these articles are so much better with your contributions.

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

Hockey: Goffstown 8 vs. Portsmouth-Newmarket 5 From Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH - Sunday, February 16, 2020 Perhaps the best thing about the shellacking that the Grizzlies took out in Keene on Saturday night was that they had less than 24 hours to think about it as they had to return to the ice for another game.

#@1inawesomewondr #Clipper Mules hockey #Goffstown Grizzlies Hockey #NHIAA Hockey #sullivan arena

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1inawesomewonder · 4 years

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From Rochester Ice Arena, Rochester, NH – Saturday night, February 1, 2020

Two weeks removed from something resembling winter and just as long since their last hockey game, the Goffstown Grizzlies roared into the new and improved Rochester Ice Arena for a tilt with Spaulding. Goffstown showed no signs of rust on their game jumping out to a 5-1 lead after one period and skating to a 10-4 win.

Before the game started, while the hustle and bustle of getting to the rink and into a bleacher seat before the opening face-off was still clattering through the rink, there was a special presentation. One that should stop us in our tracks if we’re listening and truly present in the moment. I know it stopped me. While the words were being spoken over the PA system a lump formed in my throat as I listened and scanned my own internal memory reel for the loving faces throughout my lifetime that have battled with cancer.

(Sage Photo)

It was Pink in the Rink night at Rochester Arena and both teams paid tribute with pink tape on sticks, pink socks for the home team, and a list of players on both sides as well as who (cancer battlers) they were playing for. Buckets were passed in hopes of raising a few dollars to be donated toward the ongoing battle with this life altering disease. Last I had heard there was well over $300 raised in that small gathering on a February night at the local hockey rink.

So, the time I had discussed with my wife on our phone call before the game, regarding when to expect me home after the game was no longer accurate. We had some plans but now that didn’t matter for the moment because I was glad to be in that place at that time, just to slow down, and take the time to honor others, and remember others still.

With a nicely paved parking lot, better lighting in the rink area, an open concession stand, and a full house it was time for some hockey. Due to sickness, injuries, and coaches decisions, the Grizzlies had roughly 8 goals and 17 assists not dressed for the game on Saturday night. Regardless, it took Goffstown only 10 seconds to get on the board first. Grady Chretien scored his 60th career goal from the doorstep after Eric DesRuisseaux made a shot pass to the front of the net that was deflected by Drew O’Brien and Grady tucked the puck into the net. That goal tied him for the all-time goal scoring record in GHS Hockey history.

(Sage Photo)

He tied Dan Mercier ’02, and Noah Charron ’18, with 60 career goals. Mercier scored his 60 in two seasons, while Charron tallied his goals over four seasons, leading the team in goals scored for 3 straight years.

Over the next 10 minutes of game time both teams had numerous shots on goal and a few penalties called as well. At 4:40 of the period James Amorelli made a miraculous sprawling glove save moving to his left to keep the Grizzlies ahead. Then at 8:03 he made a wonderful pad save on Spaulding’s Colby Stuart to hold the lead. At 9:12 of the period Spaulding was called for a tripping penalty and put Goffstown on the power play. The Grizzlies cashed in when Colby Wright scored on a gorgeous play from Grady Chretien to take a 2-0 lead. Less than half a minute later, Grady Chretien made more history when he buried his 61st career goal on a set up from Drew O’Brien, and it was 3-0. Spaulding kept skating hard and creating chances. They were rewarded with a goal at 11:18 when Nate Gagnon scored from Hunter Camire to cut the lead to 3-1. Goffstown scored a pair of backbreaking goals in the final minute of the period to really open up the lead. First, at 14:26, Jack Wilkinson scored from Luke Ouellette on a nice play.

(Sage Photo)

Then, at 14:55, Drew O’Brien scored on a pass from Grady Chretien to make it 5-1 to end the period. Both teams had 19 shots on goal in the period. Amorelli made 18 saves, while Matt Lacey made 14 saves.

In the second period, Goffstown picked up where they left off, scoring three more goals and allowing just one. Chretien scored his 3rd goal of the game on a feed from Gamache at 6:11 of the period. Matt Lacey was pulled from the net after the goal, and #30 came in to play goal for the rest of the game for Spaulding. A few minutes later, Gamache scored on a shorthanded bid set up by Drew O’Brien at 8:27 to bring Goffstown’s lead up to 7-1. Spaulding got one goal back at 9:07 when Colby Stuart scored a goal assisted by Ryan Hatfield. Then, at 10:51 of the period O’Brien scored a goal on a pass from Gamache. Goffstown led 8-2 on the scoreboard after two periods even though Spaulding had the edge in shots at 31-28.

(Sage Photo)

The third period featured running time which is probably one of my least favorite rules in high school hockey. I am all for sportsmanship and also for competition, but this rule makes a mockery of the game at the high school level. Somewhat related, I can remember losing high school basketball games by more than 50 points a few times, and all that did to me was motivate me. Nobody had to soften the rules for me or my team, we just needed to execute better and improve if we wanted a less lopsided result.

Anyways, for the second half of this game Goffstown had scaled back the number of shifts that the top line was getting as a group. But then sometimes, everything goes your way, and that’s how it was for Grady Chretien. He only skated a couple of shifts in the third period and he had both Goffstown goals. The puck found him, and he found the net. At 4:20 of the period he scored on a sweet set up from Theo Milianes and Colby Gamache. Then at 9:40 he scored his fifth goal of the night on a power play set up from Drew O’Brien and Bograd. Spaulding did strike for a pair of goals in the period, both being scored by Adam Enscoe.

(Sage Photo)

First, Enscoe scored an unassisted goal at 5:05. Then on the power play, Enscoe scored from Hunter Camire and Nate Gagnon at 11:00. The game would end with a 10-4 final score. Spaulding did pile up 42 shots on James Amorelli who turned away 38 of them. Goffstown amassed 32 shots and had the better quality chances overall.

Goffstown improved to 9-2 in the season standings which moved them into first place as Keene and Merrimack both lost in the last week. The Grizzlies travel to the old barn in Wolfeboro to play an always tough opponent, Kingswood on Wednesday night, February 5th. Here are the standings in D-II through last night.

Standings: Boys Ice Hockey Division II

NOTE: The following are not official NHIAA standings. They are only the accumulation of game results as reported by the athletic directors and coaches.

Click here to view the schedules for all of the teams below.

School W L T Points Rating Goffstown 9 2 0 36.00 3.2727 Merrimack 7 2 0 28.00 3.1111 Keene 6 2 1 26.00 2.8889 St. Thomas Aquinas 7 3 1 30.00 2.7273 Oyster River 7 3 1 30.00 2.7273 Dover 6 4 0 24.00 2.4000 Somersworth-Coe-Brown 5 4 1 22.00 2.2000 Kingswood 4 4 0 16.00 2.0000 Portsmouth-Newmarket 4 5 0 16.00 1.7778 Winnacunnet 3 8 0 12.00 1.0909 Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal 2 6 0 8.00 1.0000 Alvirne-Milford 2 10 0 8.00 0.6667 Spaulding 2 11 0 8.00 0.6154

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(Sage Photo)

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

Hockey: Goffstown 10 @ Spaulding 4 From Rochester Ice Arena, Rochester, NH - Saturday night, February 1, 2020 Two weeks removed from something resembling winter and just as long since their last hockey game, the Goffstown Grizzlies roared into the new and improved Rochester Ice Arena for a tilt with Spaulding.

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1inawesomewonder · 4 years

Text

From Skate 3, Tyngsborough, MA – January 18, 2020

After a week off from game play, the Goffstown Grizzlies returned to the ice to play the Admirals of Alvirne-Milford (AM). The Admirals came into the game with a record of 2-4 while Goffstown was 7-2. In the end, the Grizzlies managed a 7-3 win on the road.

This game was a lot more than a 7-3 affair though. For one, this was a 4-3 game in the third period. Second, Madeline Sage may not be wrapped in the largest of packages but she was immense in this victory. Third, Colby Gamache and Grady Chretien are pretty good hockey players, and they had a day. Fourth, Goffstown hockey history again was made and I will tell you all about it.

(Sage Photo)

Actually, before I go into this, I had to huddle with myself several times to discuss what I saw. I changed my mind numerous times, and even changed it back. Anyways, the Grizzlies came out on their first shift and held the puck in the offensive zone for what seemed like the first two minutes of the game. They didn’t get any shots on goal, but they held the puck for quite awhile. Then, on their first shot of the game, the white hot, Grady Chretien hit the top corner with a shot from the high slot to get Goffstown on the board. Xavier Bibaud had the lone assist on the goal when he kept the puck in at the left point and worked it over to Chretien. The goal came at 2:24 of the opening period. Really, the first period was just a lot of shots on goal with not a whole lot of defense being played. Well, at least, not a lot of shut down, in your face, challenge every shot kind of defense anyway. Despite that, Maddie Sage was spot on.

(Sage Photo)

At 3:00 of the period, Sage made a great right pad save on an Admiral breakaway opportunity. Alvirne-Milford scored at 5:12 of the period when Hayden Ricard scored from Corey Girouard to tie the game at, 1-1. When the game started, pretty much everyone who counts themselves a part of G-Town Nation knew that Colby Gamache was only a couple of points (exactly three points) away from 100 points in his career. At 8:11 of the period, that became only 2 points away when Chretien struck again, this time set up by Gamache. Then at 9:34 of the period, on the power play, Gamache scored from Theo Milianes and Grady Chretien. The period would end with Goffstown holding a 3-1 lead. You might think, well this is going to be a runaway, but that was not the case. AM just wouldn’t go away, to their credit. Shots were tallied at 14-13 in favor of the Admirals.

The first half of the second period was littered with penalties, both real and imagined, or even missed. Goffstown would end up winning the shots battle, 10-5, but the period was dysfunctional as a result of the penalties. Both teams scored one goal apiece in the period, and they came just 11 seconds apart. Goffstown struck first, at 9:07, when Colby Gamache scored his 100th career point on a power play goal. Gamache’s historic achievement was set up by Theo Milianes and Jackson Burke. Teammates celebrated with much exuberance and the Goffstown faithful cheered along with the Grizzlies. While the feeling was still very much alive, the Admirals scored to cut into the Goffstown lead. Zach Greer scored the goal on assists from Chris Bedard and Anthony DeRosa. There would be another penalty called, but that was about it.

(Sage Photo)

After two periods, Goffstown led 4-2, and Gamache was the newest member of the Goffstown 100-point club, joining Griffin Cook 122, Sebastian Beal 114, Noah Charron 110, and Dan Mercier 109.

Even though history was being made, we had a 4-2 game starting the third period. Alvirne-Milford was still very much alive and kicking in this game. Then at 3:18 of the period Zach Sabetti scored on a shot that bounced on the way to the net, and hopped past Sage in net. The goal was unassisted and made the score, 4-3 in favor of the visitors. What was even more unsettling about the goal was the fact that the Grizzlies couldn’t clear the puck. That, and Sage had already made a pair of saves just before the goal was scored. Less than two minutes later Jackson Burke made a pass off of the half wall to start the breakout. The only problem was that the pass landed right on the stick of Kevin Sullivan for the Admirals. Sullivan got a quick shot away, but Maddie Sage was equal to the task, making the save. At 6:05 of the period I put an asterisk in my note pad for this Grizzlies goal. There was a race to the puck that was nearly and end to end sprint. Chretien won the race to the puck and he fired a pass to the front of the net where Gamache pushed the puck past King into the net. It was a great goal that came from two players going full speed to attempt making something out of nothing.

(Sage Photo)

Just over a minute later the Admirals were awarded a penalty shot when Jackson Burke was called for picking up the puck in the crease after yet another Sage save. Matt Ryan took the penalty shot and skated in on Sage with good speed before ripping a shot off of the post. Goffstown and AM exchanged minor penalties over the next few minutes. Then at 11:56 of the period Gamache scored his fourth consecutive goal on assists from Luke Ouellette and Eric DesRuisseaux. A minute later, Gamache sent Chretien in on a shorthanded break with a perfectly weighted pass and Grady did the rest, scoring his third goal of the night. Goffstown led 7-3, and that’s how the game would end. The final shots favored Goffstown 36-34 for the game. Both goaltenders played well in this game. Sage was brilliant with 31 saves on 34 shots. Brayden King may have allowed 7 seven goals on the night, but he did make some very good saves along the way.

Goffstown improved to 8-2 in the season standings and they don’t play again until next month when they go to Rochester for a game against Spaulding on February 1st. Here are the standings in DII through the weekend.

Standings: Boys Ice Hockey Division II

NOTE: The following are not official NHIAA standings. They are only the accumulation of game results as reported by the athletic directors and coaches.

Click here to view the schedules for all of the teams below.

School W L T Points Rating Keene 5 0 1 22.00 3.6667 Dover 5 1 0 20.00 3.3333 Goffstown 8 2 0 33.00 3.3000 Merrimack 4 1 0 16.00 3.2000 Oyster River 4 2 1 18.00 2.5714 Portsmouth-Newmarket 3 2 0 12.00 2.4000 St. Thomas Aquinas 3 2 1 14.00 2.3333 Somersworth-Coe-Brown 3 3 1 14.00 2.0000 Kingswood 2 3 0 8.00 1.6000 Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal 2 3 0 8.00 1.6000 Alvirne-Milford 2 5 0 8.00 1.1429 Winnacunnet 0 6 0 0.00 0.0000 Spaulding 0 8 0 0.00 0.0000

Sage Page

(Sage Photo)

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated records.

Goffstown (8-5-0) vs. Alvirne-Milford (AM) (2-5-0)

Skate 3, White Rink, Tyngsborough, MA

Saturday, January 18, 2020. 3:15 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 3-1-3 = 7

AM: 1-1-1 = 3

Shots:

Goffstown: 13-10-13 = 36

AM: 14-05-15 = 34

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 2:24. Even. Grady Chretien (20) from Xavier Bibaud (7).

1st AM at 5:12. Even. Hayden Ricard from Corey Girouard.

1st Goffstown at 8:11. Even. Grady Chretien (21) from Colby Gamache (14).

1st Goffstown at 9:34. PPG. Colby Gamache (12) from Grady Chretien (5) and Theo Milianes (9).

2nd Goffstown at 9:07. PPG. Colby Gamache (13) from Theo Milianes (10) and Jackson Burke (7).

Colby’s 100th career point

2nd AM at 9:18. Even. Zach Greer from Chris Bedard and Anthony DeRosa.

3rd AM at 3:26. Even. Zach Sabetti unassisted.

3rd Goffstown at 6:05. Even. Colby Gamache (14) from Grady Chretien (6).

3rd Goffstown at 11:56. Even. Colby Gamache (15) from Luke Ouellette (3) and Eric DesRuisseaux (8).

3rd Goffstown at 12:57. Even. Grady Chretien (22) from Colby Gamache (15).

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 2 for 5.

AM Power Play: 0 for 5.

Saves:

Goffstown: Maddie Sage 31 of 34. (45:00)

AM: Brayden King 27 of 34. (45:00)

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

Hockey: Goffstown 7 at Alvirne-Milford 3 From Skate 3, Tyngsborough, MA - January 18, 2020 After a week off from game play, the Goffstown Grizzlies returned to the ice to play the Admirals of Alvirne-Milford (AM).

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1inawesomewonder · 4 years

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From Thomas F. Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH – January 11, 2020

Goffstown battled undefeated Dover on Friday evening, winning in the end, 5-3. Then they quickly had to turn around and play another game just about 17 hours later. The Bearcats from Somersworth-Coe-Brown (SCB) came to Sullivan Arena for a Saturday noon game against Goffstown. The Bearcats were ready though, they came out flying, and counter-punching like well trained assassins.

The Grizzlies came into the game with a 6-2 record in league play, after the big win against Dover, but they quickly found themselves trailing, 3-1 just seconds into the second period. Then again, with 20 seconds to play in the middle period, the Grizzlies found themselves down 4-2 with few answers to the Bearcats speedy transition game. I am not sure what exactly turned the tide in this game, but it may have been the goal that Goffstown scored with 17 seconds left in the 2nd period. Xavier Bibaud and Theo Milianes set up Grady Chretien for an enormous goal to cut the deficit to one goal and maybe everybody in the room believed a little more, that a comeback was possible. In the final period, Goffstown was hotter than the 60-degree January temperatures outside. The Grizzlies scored four times and held SCB to just five shots on goal. The final score was 7-4 in favor of the home town Grizzlies.

(Jen Webber Photography)

In the first period Goffstown had 10 shots to the Bearcats 6. What was noticeable was how quickly the Bearcats could take a save, a loose puck, or even a missed shot, and be at the other end of the ice with speed. Goffstown got on the board first when Jack Wilkinson and Theo Milianes worked the puck nicely to set up Jackson Burke for his fifth goal of the season at 2:00 of the opening period. A few minutes later a SCB shot hit the post all while the Bearcats were swarming and creating chances that didn’t always result in shots on goal. At 9:23 Cam Frank scored on a 2-on-1 break with a pass from Gage Gagne. They struck in a hurry and the game was tied. Then at 12:33 of the period the SCB scored again when Ryan Nester scored from Gagne and Frank, and the Grizzlies trailed, 2-1. With 8 seconds left in the period the Grizzlies had an offensive zone face-off and pulled Jake Webber from the net. Nothing happened but it was the last we’d see of Webber for the night. Jake didn’t return to the ice after the first intermission due to an injury that stemmed from the pre-game warm-up. So James Amorelli was called back into action after a 32 save win just a few hours before.

In the second period the Bearcats were ready for action and scored a goal before the Grizzlies even knew what hit them. Given room in front of the net, Jake Pelletier scored an unassisted goal for SCB at 0:25. Goffstown responded early in the period with a power play goal to get back in the game, and maybe also a false sense of security. Colby Gamache scored the goal at 2:11, just 9 seconds into the power-play on a pass from Colby Wright and Goffstown was down by one goal. The goal came roughly 30 seconds after Amorelli made a wonderful left pad save on a SCB shot that seemed to materialize from nowhere. Over the next several minutes, Goffstown and Somersworth-Coe-Brown traded some chances. The Grizzlies had another power play opportunity but could not score on the advantage. Then at 9:13 of the period Aaron Bono used his speed to separate from the defense and score an unassisted goal to give the Bearcats a 2-goal lead again. With less than a minute to play in the second period, the Grizzlies were down 4-2 and the outlook was looking a little bleak. Then Grady Chretien scored from Theo Milianes and Xavier Bibaud at 14:43 to give Goffstown some renewed faith in their game.

(Jen Webber Photography)

Early in the first period the Grizzlies had a power play after SCB was called for too many skaters on the ice. Goffstown did not score but they picked up their game. Just 14 seconds after the penalty ended the Grizzlies tied the game. Gamache scored again, this time from Chretien and Drew O’Brien, at 3:25. Gamache picked off a puck at center ice and skated in to score an unassisted goal at 7:28 to give Goffstown their first lead since the first period. 37 seconds after the Gamache goal, Grady Chretien scored a great goal from Gamache and O’Brien, and that may have been the straw that broke the back. Not long after the goal, on the next shift, Daniel Strum took a 5-minute major penalty and was disqualified for a hit on Jack Wilkinson. Less than a minute later, Luke Ouellette was whistled for an unsportsmanlike like penalty when he smacked the stick out of an opponents hands. Nobody would score during the served penalties. While Goffstown was pounding 16 shots on goal, to 5 for SCB, Drew O’Brien scored his first career goal on a beautiful play from Eric DesRuisseaux and Grady Chretien at 13:26. The game would end with the Grizzlies taking a come from behind win, 7-4 over a talented Somersworth-Coe-Brown team. Goffstown now sits and waits for their next game when they are scheduled to play Alvirne-Milford on Saturday night, January 18th at Skate 3. There is currently a whole bunch of snow scheduled for the 18th.

Standings in Division II as of this weekend:

School W L T Points Rating Keene 4 0 1 18.00 3.6000 Dover 5 1 0 20.00 3.3333 Goffstown 7 2 0 29.00 3.2222 Merrimack 3 1 0 12.00 3.0000 St. Thomas Aquinas 3 1 1 14.00 2.8000 Portsmouth-Newmarket 3 2 0 12.00 2.4000 Oyster River 3 2 1 14.00 2.3333 Somersworth-Coe-Brown 2 3 1 10.00 1.6667 Alvirne-Milford 2 3 0 8.00 1.6000 Kingswood 1 3 0 4.00 1.0000 Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal 1 3 0 4.00 1.0000 Winnacunnet 0 5 0 0.00 0.0000 Spaulding 0 7 0 0.00 0.0000

#gallery-0-7 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-7 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-7 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

I wish they had just asked me. I know it’s odd. But honestly, it’s a hawk carrying a hockey stick. Not that big a deal. (Jen Webber Photography)

(Jen Webber Photography)

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated records.

Goffstown (7-5-0) vs. Somersworth-Coe-Brown (SCB) (2-3-1)

Thomas F. Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH

Saturday, January 11, 2020. 12:13 PM Start:

Summary:

Goals:

Goffstown: 1-2-4 = 7

SCB: 2-2-0 = 4

Shots:

Goffstown: 10-06-16 = 32

SCB: 06-09-05 = 20

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 2:00. Even. Jackson Burke (5) from Theo Milianes (5) and Jack Wilkinson (4).

2nd SCB at 9:23. Even. Cam Frank from Gage Gagne.

2nd SCB at 12:33. Even. Ryan Nester from Gage Gagne and Cam Frank.

2nd SCB at 0:25. Even. Jake Pelletier unassisted.

2nd Goffstown at 2:11. PPG. Colby Gamache (9) from Colby Wright (6).

2nd SCB at 9:13. Even. Aaron Bono unassisted.

2nd Goffstown at 14:43. Even. Grady Chretien (18) from Theo Milianes (6) and Xavier Bibaud (6).

3rd Goffstown at 3:25. Even. Colby Gamache (10) from Grady Chretien (3) and Drew O’Brien (4).

3rd Goffstown at 7:28. Even. Colby Gamache (11) unassisted.

3rd Goffstown at 8:05. Even. Grady Chretien (19) from Colby Gamache (14) and Drew O’Brien (5).

3rd Goffstown at 13:26. Empty. Drew O’Brien (1) from Grady Chretien (4) and Eric DesRuisseaux (7).

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 1 for 4.

SCB Power Play: 0 for 1.

Saves:

Goffstown: Jake Webber 4 of 6. (14:52)

Goffstown: James Amorelli 12 of 14. (30:00)

SCB: Kevin Baker 25 of 32. (45:00)

Sage Page

#gallery-0-8 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-8 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-8 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-8 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

(Sage Photo)

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

Hockey: Goffstown 7 vs. Somersworth-Coe-Brown 4 From Thomas F. Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH - January 11, 2020 Goffstown battled undefeated Dover on Friday evening, winning in the end, 5-3.

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1inawesomewonder · 5 years

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The Grizzlies celebrate the eventual game-winner against Somersworth-Coe-Brown. (Photo by Charron)

From Rochester Ice Arena in Rochester, NH – January 5, 2019:

If you count the Christmas Tournament, Goffstown has played 10 games so far this season. Interestingly perhaps, they have played 9 of those 10 games on the road, away from Sullivan Arena in Goffstown. The Brian C. Stone Memorial Christmas Hockey Tournament was played at JFK Coliseum in Manchester, NH.

Maybe the most amazing stat is that the Grizzlies are 8-1-1 over the opening 10 games. Playing on the road is difficult enough. Then you also don’t get the last change on stoppages, which is critical against good coaches who have scouted their opponent. It’s also hard to beat good teams anywhere, especially on their own ice.

(Photo by Charron)

Goffstown traveled to Rochester, NH to play the Somersworth-Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Bearcats who were 2-1-1 in league play when the opening puck was dropped. The combined name of the schools included as the home team is almost as long as the distance from Coe-Brown to Somersworth High to Rochester Ice Arena, at 27 miles and about 45 minutes, just to play at home. In a nutshell, or two, Somersworth-Coe-Brown (SCB) is a good team. Their goaltender, Kevin Baker, is one big reason why this was a one-goal game. SCB’s team defense, circling the wagons in front of Baker, is another reason. Goffstown taking senseless penalties when nothing but good decisions was in jeopardy also played a big role in this outcome. The Bearcats are a good skating team with depth in the skill of skating, and that is a huge asset to have. Goffstown escaped the trip to Rochester with a 5-4 road victory that easily could have gone the other way.

So, here’s a thought, the Grizzlies’ captains corps spent 14 minutes in the penalty box tonight. That’s nearly one period of play, taking one of those kids off of the ice. I know players generally (95%+) believe they have not committed a penalty. I mean, ever. That would mean that 7 times this evening these three were penalized for nothing. Honestly, though, some of these penalties were just completely mindless. Which makes me immediately think of players being tired, not on their ‘A’ game to begin with, not mentally prepared (as in looking past their opponent) and last but not least, certainly playing against a worthy opponent.

(Photo by Charron)

Goffstown scored a pair of first period goals to take a 2-0 lead on the Bearcats. Griffin Cook got the scoring started while shorthanded. He grabbed a loose puck at center ice and meandered just a bit before putting the pedal to the metal and flying down the right wing to put the puck in the net. At 14:32 of the period Somersworth-Coe-Brown forward, Ryan Nester took a two-handed swipe with his stick that caromed off of the head and back of Griffin Cook after Cook had made a physical play on Nester. I only mention this because of how the Bearcat player took his decided action and immediately looked around to see if a referee caught him. They did not. 24 seconds later Goffstown scored when Theo Milianes won an offensive zone faceoff then grabbed the loose puck and snapped it past Kevin Baker in goal. Goffstown outshot SCB 13-5 and took a 2-0 lead to the locker room.

The Bearcats came out in the 2nd period with a renewed sense of purpose. A recurring trend showed itself as well when the Grizzlies allowed yet another first-minute goal. SCB scored when Colby Walsh took a shot towards the net that was just about a foot wide of the far side post, a little higher than ankle high off of the ice. Will Sawyer skillfully redirected the puck on net, and past Kyle LaSella to give the Bearcats the goal at 0:58. After matching penalties, and individual penalties to each side, SCB redirected another shot, but this time it hit the post and bounced away at 8:49. At 9:02 of the period the clock was not started for exactly 30 seconds. Immediately after killing another penalty, with a senior defender in the box, the Grizzlies found themselves tied at 2-2. Gage Gagne scored from Daniel Strum a moment after winning the faceoff. Then another frustration decision led to an SCB penalty at 14:29. Goffstown took advantage 19 seconds later when Colby Gamache and Colin Burke worked the puck to Sebastian Beal. Beal ran over a defender while carrying the puck and ripped a shot at Baker between the pipes. Baker made the save but the rebound bounced off of a Bearcat and into the net at 14:48 to give Goffstown a 3-2 lead. The Grizzlies won the shot battle 15-7 but lost the period 2-1 on the scoreboard.

(Photo by Charron)

In the third period, the well-structured, fine skating Bearcats tied the game 3-3 at 1:25 with almost no resistance from the visitors. Jake Pelletier scored from Aiden Perra on a play that looked way too easy. Somehow, 6 seconds later Grady Chretien scored from Theo Milianes to give Goffstown the lead once again. On the next shift, Griffin Cook was set up for his second goal of the game on a gorgeous pass from Colby Gamache. Goffstown led 5-3 with 12:27 to play. Six penalties were called in the next nine minutes, and both teams were guilty of poor reactions to adversity, let’s say. Then Gage Gagne scored his second goal of the night when his shot and then collection and deposit his own rebound were watched closely with little resistance from Goffstown. A minute later Goffstown took a terrible penalty, for no apparent reason or perceived threat, other than to invite the host team a man-advantage opportunity to tie the game. Fortunately for the guilty party, his team killed the penalty before taking another penalty with 10.something seconds left in the game. The Bearcats pulled Kevin Baker from the net at 14:31 and put him back in net after the minor brouhaha when a pair of seniors tried a needless stick swinging dance at 14:49. Goffstown escaped with a 5-4 win.

To expand on a few things, first Somersworth-Coe-Brown has just one senior on their roster, and if the remaining players all come back, this group is going to be very difficult to beat. Second, Goffstown held the puck in the offensive zone for minutes at a time in all three periods, as SCB was content enough to keep all they could to the outside and to let Kevin Baker a good look at shots. The other thing that came from their defensive approach was that the Grizzlies weren’t able to get Baker moving side-to-side, and when he could square up, he saved just about everything he saw. That being said, the visitors scored a powerplay goal, a shorthanded goal, and 3 even strength goals, which speaks to their abilities in many different scenarios. Kyle LaSella made 18 saves en route to the win on the road.

(Photo by Charron)

Around the league, undefeated Dover was idle so they came to scout Goffstown. Keene won at Kingswood, 7-3. Alvirne-Milford tied Portsmouth-Newmarket 1-1 despite both teams having two school names each. Merrimack lost to triple threat Lebanon-Stevens-Mt. Royal 5-2. Winnacunnet won their second game in the last three 6-1 over Timberlane.

NHIAA Hockey:

Updated Records:

Goffstown 8-1-1 overall (5-0-1)

Somersworth-Coe-Brown (2-2-1)

Rochester Ice Arena, Rochester, NH

January 5, 2019. 6:00 PM Start:

Summary: Goals:

Goffstown: 2-1-2 = 5 SCB: 0-2-2 = 4

Shots:

Goffstown: 13-15-10 = 38 Keene: 05-07-10 = 22

Scoring:

1st Goffstown at 1:58. SHG. Griffin Cook (12) unassisted.

1st Goffstown at 4:10. Even. Theo Milianes (3) unassisted.

2nd SCB at 0:58. Even. Will Sawyer from Colby Walsh.

2nd SCB at 12:04. Even. Gage Gagne from Daniel Strum.

2nd Goffstown at 14:48. PPG. Sebastian Beal (9) from Colin Burke (7) and Colby Gamache (12).

3rd SCB at 1:25. Even. Jake Pelletier from Aiden Perra.

3rd Goffstown at 1:31. Even. Grady Chretien (13) from Theo Milianes (3).

3rd Goffstown at 2:33. Even. Griffin Cook (13) from Colby Gamache (13).

3rd SCB at 11:18. Even. Gage Gagne unassisted.

Penalties:

Goffstown: 18:00

SCB: 22:00

Special Teams:

Goffstown Power Play: 1 for 3. SCB Power Play: 0 for 5.

Saves:

Goffstown: Kyle LaSella 18 of 22. (45:00) SCB: Kevin Baker 33 of 38. (44:24)

Hockey: Goffstown 5 at Somersworth-Coe-Brown 4 From Rochester Ice Arena in Rochester, NH - January 5, 2019: If you count the Christmas Tournament, Goffstown has played 10 games so far this season.

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1inawesomewonder · 5 years

Text

From Sullivan Arena in Goffstown, NH – December 15, 2018:

For the second game in a row, there was a pre-game tribute of sorts to someone who has been taken too early from this earth. I was asked to lead the moment from the booth, which I had no problem with. When I asked for some direction on what to say, or in what order, etc. I was told, “just wing it”.

So as game time approached, I began to feel a bit anxious about doing this honor proper justice. I take these matters seriously and hope that all is perfect, if not completely respectful. I shared information regarding the celebration of life for Shane Milianes back in the spring, and it took on a life of its own with comments, messages, and communications from people all over the place. I was humbled and honored. And when today presented itself to me, I knew I would struggle with getting through any words at all. As I entered the booth before the game this afternoon, I wrote on my notepad, one quote from Shane’s obituary, “…after living beautifully and courageously with ALS for 4 years…” that I loved then and still do now. Shane had a smile, and a sense of peace about him despite his pain, suffering, or physical limitations over his last few years. I feel that few people knowingly come to complete peace while still functioning on this earth, and it appeared to me that Shane had. His smile was present and contagious, especially around the team or any rink we may have been in at the time. As I choked through a few words today, I couldn’t help thinking of Bryce somewhere in the arena, and Theo on the blue line, as they have been operating minus their dad for many months now. Hockey seemed not to matter at all for the moment, except for the service it had provided as a vessel of sorts over a period of time that brought all of us together, and from one place in life to another. Shane was one of us, or we were one with him, either way, he is missed, and I am honored to have been a part of remembering him today. Our hockey program will be making a future donation towards the cure of ALS as a result of today’s game and sales of the blue ribbon stickers like the Goffstown player’s started wearing on their helmets today.

After all of that, there was a game to be played. And what a game it was! The first period was good enough I suppose, a couple of goals, a few penalties, and a Goffstown 13-4 advantage in shots on goal. Winnacunnet scored first when Carter Renaud scored an unassisted goal on the Warriors’ third shot of the game, off of a Goffstown turnover at 5:11 of the period. Grady Chretien answered on the power play at 7:35, with assists going to Colin Burke and Colby Gamache on a beautiful hockey sequence. Just a few seconds later, Winnacunnet’s Braeden Logue barreled in from the left side and rang a shot off of the far post. Then in the closing minute of the period, Madeline Sage made a huge save to keep the score at 1-1 after another Grizzlie turnover. The horn would sound with the score tied 1-1.

The second period was dominated on the scoreboard by the visitors from Hampton, NH. Winnacunnet scored 3 goals on just 8 shots to jump out to a 4-2 lead after two periods. Braeden Logue scored a pair of goals and assisted on another in the period. On the power play, after a penalty on the captain, Sebastian Beal, Logue needed just 8 seconds of the advantage to put the Warriors up 2-1, assisted by Thomas Vaziri. Again, Grady Chretien answered with his second goal set up by Theo Milianes and Colin Burke at 6:16. Then at 7:28 of the period goaltender Jack Ellis made two of his many outstanding saves against Sebastian Beal at point-blank range. The second save was a brilliant left pad save that appeared certain to be a Grizzlie goal. As these things often times happen, Winnacunnet scored on the next shift after the brilliant save, when Logue scored again, from Thomas Vaziri, again. Just when it looked like the period may end, with a 3-2 Warriors lead, the visitors created 3 quick shots, including their 4th goal at 14:30 of the period. This time it was Thomas Vaziri from Braeden Logue on the goal. The period would end with Winnacunnet holding a 4-2 lead over the Grizzlies. Goffstown still led by a wide margin in shots at 22-12, but they trailed where it matters most, 4-2 on the scoreboard.

With the third period underway, the Grizzlie faithful were hopeful for a big comeback, but things actually got worse for the home team. Alex McCarthy was whistled for a 5-minute major boarding call at 1:43 and the Grizzlies were forced to kill a penalty and come back at the same time. As it would play out. Winnacunnet scored on the power play at 3:21 with a goal from Dan Giacalone, assisted by Braeden Logue. So now, with under 12 minutes to play, Goffstown trailed 5-2. With a major penalty, Winnacunnet remained on the power play. Sophomore Grady Chretien gave Goffstown hope with his third goal of the game, a shorthanded bid off of a turnover at 3:52. Goffstown continued to press the issue and came in wave after wave. Winnacunnet pressed back and took back to back penalties in the process. Colin Burke the big defenseman for Goffstown scored on the first power play from Colby Gamache at 7:20, and the Grizzlies only trailed 5-4. Then on another power play, Colby Gamache tied the game at 5-5 after a gorgeous sequence of passes ending with Colby Wright to Colin Burke to Gamache for the goal, at 10:12. Regulation time would end with the score tied 5-5, despite Goffstown owning a 36-16 lead in shots on goal.

Once the overtime started there was a feeling in the building that Goffstown had wrestled momentum over to their side. Sure enough, at 2:43 into the overtime period, Griffin Cook passed to Sebastian Beal behind the net, before Beal centered a pass to Colby Gamache who cranked a shot past Jack Ellis in net. Goffstown won the game, 6-5 in overtime. Ellis for his part made 31 saves in the loss. Madeline Sage made 11 saves earning the victory.

Goffstown returns to the ice on Wednesday night (19th) when they travel to the great white north and play Lebanon-Stevens-Mount Royal at 7:10 pm at James W Campion Rink. Lebanon is coming off of a 4-1 victory over Somersworth-Coe-Brown earlier today.

In NHIAA Hockey action around D2 today, Keene beat Spaulding 5-3. St. Thomas rocked Oyster River at the Whit, 8-2. Merrimack bounced back with a 7-1 win against Timberlane. Alvirne-Milford improved to 2-0 with a 5-4 win at D3 powerhouse Kennett.

NHIAA Hockey: Updated records. Goffstown (2-0-1) vs. Winnacunnet (0-2-0)

Sullivan Arena, Goffstown, NH December 15, 2018. 2:00 PM Start:

Summary: Goals: Goffstown: 1-1-3-1 = 6 Winnacunnet: 1-3-1-0 = 5

Shots: Goffstown: 13-09-14-01= 37 Winnacunnet: 04-08-04-00 = 16

Lucas Ouellette against Winnacunnet. (Photo by Charron)

Brett Lassonde at the blue line. (Photo by Charron)

Theo handles the puck against the Warriors. (Photo by Charron)

Griffin Cook looks to make a play. (Photo by Charron)

Jacob Noonan uses his strength to get free. (Photo by Charron)

GHS Team 2018-19. (Photo by Charron)

Celebrate good times. (Photo by Charron)

Luke Chase carries the puck up ice. (Photo by Charron)

Scoring: 1st Winnacunnet at 5:11. Even. Carter Renaud unassisted. 1st Goffstown at 7:35. Power Play. Grady Chretien (3) from Colin Burke (2) and Colby Gamache (3).

2nd Winnacunnet at 4:37. Power Play. Braeden Logue from Thomas Vaziri. 2nd Goffstown at 6:16. Even. Grady Chretien (4) from Theo Milianes (2) and Colin Burke (3). 2nd Winnacunnet 7:49. Even. Braeden Logue from Thomas Vaziri.

2nd Winnacunnet 14:30. Even. Thomas Vaziri from Braeden Logue.

3rd Winnacunnet at 3:21. Power Play. Daniel Giacalone from Braeden Logue. 3rd Goffstown at 3:52. Shorthanded. Grady Chretien (5) unassisted. 3rd Goffstown at 7:20. Power Play. Colin Burke (2) from Colby Gamache (4). 3rd Goffstown at 10:12. Power Play. Colby Gamache (3) from Colin Burke (4) and Colby Wright (1).

4th Goffstown at 2:43. Even. Colby Gamache (4) from Sebastian Beal (5) and Griffin Cook (3).

Special Teams: Goffstown Power Play: 3 for 5. Winnacunnet Power Play: 2 for 5.

Saves: Goffstown: Madeline Sage 11 of 16. (47:43)

Winnacunnet: Jack Ellis 31 of 37. (47:43)

Hockey: Goffstown 6 vs. Winnacunnet 5 (OT) From Sullivan Arena in Goffstown, NH - December 15, 2018: For the second game in a row, there was a pre-game tribute of sorts to someone who has been taken too early from this earth.

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