Up until this point, the game had been fiercely competitive, with a slim one-goal margin separating the two teams. With the season they have had so far, Westfield became increasingly aware of the pressing need to widen this gap against MKA to cement their lead. Despite numerous efforts to pierce the defense and score, the Blue Devils found themselves against a tough defensive wall time and time again. That is, until senior captain Alex Ebel glided down the side of the rink, exploiting a gap in the Cougars’ defense. With precision and skill, he netted his second goal of the game, pulling off a crucial victory for Westfield over MKA.
From the start of the game, it was hard to tell if Westfield was the superior team. Lots of attempts were made from both teams, but no outstanding shots had been made, leaving both teams goalless. 10 minutes into the game, in a scramble around the Cougar’s net. Ebel flicked the puck into the goal directly over the goalie’s stick. Finding their rhythm, Ebel executed his second goal, just two minutes later, for a two goal lead.
However, the second period is where Westfieod was able to capitalize and change the pace of the game. Head coach Joe Bertucci said, “We started a little slow, but in the second quarter we really turned it on. We put the pressure in their zone and finished strong .”
The previous possession by both teams was strongly eliminated heading into the second period. With little possession by MKA, Westfield was able to hold the puck for long periods of time on the Cougar’s side of the rink. “Our first line was really moving the puck nicely,” said junior Brody Esler. Despite multiple shots from different players, MKA’s goalie had a strong wall, not allowing any goals. In a quick instant, Ebel hit another wrist shot, scoring his third goal for a hat trick. Confidently keeping possession and the pace of the game, Westfield held strong with senior goalie Andrew Raber, not tolerating any Cougar goals.Though it seemed the period would be over, with only a minute and a half left, junior Jackson Chicola hit a wrist shot to put Westfield up by four, going into the third period.
By the third quarter, MKA seemed worn out. With less effort from their players, Westfield maintained even more possession of the puck than they did in the previous period. In a long period of possession, and a scramble on the ice, Esler flicked the puck into the back of the net, for his first goal of the season. Not allowing Cougar possession, Westfield maintained the puck, allowing sophomore Tyler Bergman to score the Blue Devil’s sixth and final goal of the game with around eight minutes left in the third period.
Raber had a complete game shutout. He felt that as a whole, the team “did pretty well. The line of Chicola, junior Wilson and Ebel was absolutely buzzing. It was a great game all around, especially the defense we only let up about nine shots.” Ebel agrees: “We have a lot of confidence right now,” he said.
Going into the semifinal round of the McInnis Cup, Bertucci said, “We need urgency. Urgency that comes from our goals and expectations. We don’t want to overlook the next round, it is just as important as getting to our end goal, the championship. We just need to get focused.” The Blue Devils are set to play in the semifinals on Feb. 12 at Warinanco Park.
