After a physical battle amid the Blue Devils and the Hilltoppers during the first period and most of the second, a power play for Westfield meant redemption. With six minutes left in the second period and Summit one man down, Westfield’s offense surged down the ice. The Hilltoppers scrambled. Westfield fans held their breath. Senior co-captain Nick Benson made an impressive move and buried the puck into the net, reclaiming the lead for Westfield 3-2. The boys would go on to hold Summit at two goals and additionally score two more, winning the McInnis Cup Semifinal 5-2.
Westfield’s offensive streak started early when senior co-captain Andrew Lisnock found the back of the net just 30 seconds into the first period. Lisnock went on to secure a hat trick after another goal at the end of the first period, and his final goal in the third, which secured their domination over the Hilltoppers. “It felt great,” Lisnock said. “It felt a lot better to know it was the end of the game.” This was Lisnock’s fourth hat trick of the season, bringing his total goals to 23.
Despite Lisnock finding the back of the net early, the Blue Devils kept the Hilltoppers at arm’s length for the first two periods. Benson made his fair share of key defensive plays. But it was evident that further defensive progress is needed going forward. Benson said, “Defensively, we could be a little more structured, stay a little more disciplined in the defensive zone and I think that’ll lead to a better game.”
Along with Lisnock’s hat trick and Benson’s one-time goal, junior Chris Smok found the back of the net to tally their goals to five. Junior Liam Reed had a trio of assists, and senior assistant captain Troy Conover accumulated 17 saves.
This game proved yet again that the depth the Blue Devils possess is one of their most dangerous assets, if not their most dangerous. Head coach Joe Bertucci said, “Our depth has always been our key. In the third period, especially, we can wear down the opposition and put the puck in the back of the net. ” Benson echoed this, saying, “They’ve got good defense, but we know our depth. They can’t hang with our depth.”
Westfield’s dominance over Summit is evident in their record: three victories over the Hilltoppers this season and at least three goals in each matchup. The Blue Devils also have not lost to this prominent conference opponent since the 2022-23 season.
The boys will now look to capture their third consecutive McInnis Cup title on Feb. 18 against the Livingston Lancers — who they took the title from in the final last year — at the Zoo. “We have a long wait until that game, about a week,” Lisnock explained. “We have to rest up, be smart, hydrate, eat right and practice hard.”
