NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH – Nick D’Angelo’s sudden-death overtime goal powered the Algonquin boys hockey team past Auburn on Saturday night.
After watching Rockets claw their way back into the game with a two-goal third period, the Algonquin squad and its fans were grateful to be on the right side of this 3-2 final score.
“We faced a little bit of adversity, but I love those boys and we all battled back,” D’Angelo told reporters after the win.
Auburn counters fast Algonquin start
Things started strong for Algonquin, with Ben Cotter scoring to put the team up 1-0 in the first period.
Tommy Hauck then doubled the lead in the second period.
Down 2-0, Auburn rumbled in the third period, cutting into their deficit in just a matter of minutes on a goal by Shawn Bradway.
Auburn ended up in a 5 on 3 shorthanded situation after being whistled for a pair of penalties in quick succession following their team’s goal.
They kept the pressure on though, tying the game when Bradway darted out of the penalty box to beat the Algonquin defense and score on a breakaway.
“We know they’re a team that is going to come hard,” Algonquin coach Greg Cappello said of Auburn’s ability to bounce back. “They’re a great team with good senior leadership.”
Algonquin nabs overtime win
Algonquin and Auburn went to overtime with the score knotted 2-2.
Algonquin carried a penalty of their own into the five minute overtime session but successfully killed that off.
They then went on the attack.
Ryan Ogar set up the eventual game winner with less than a minute left on the clock, launching a hard shot on goal.
The rebound bounced onto the stick of D’Angelo, who buried the puck in the net.
“The puck was just sitting for me in the crease,” D’Angelo said.
Win marks milestone for Algonquin
This victory secured a state tournament playoff spot for Algonquin.
It also came on senior night, punctuating an evening that began with honors for this squad’s ten players in the Class of 2022.
“We needed this one today, especially on senior night,” D’Angelo said. “It’s special for all of us.”
A win on Saturday was additionally monumental for Algonquin as it concluded a week that otherwise saw the team lose difficult games to Marlborough and Westborough.
“It’s a relief to pull it out,” Cappello said. “It’s been a challenging week for us, a big week for us. And we really needed to win that game.”
Algonquin will now cap its regular season on Wednesday with a game against Groton Dunstable. From there, it will then move into its playoff schedule.
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