Grafton celebrates Asher Petrie’s first career goal, which put the team ahead 1-0. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
WORCESTER — Look good. Feel good. Play good.
That was Grafton hockey’s philosophy Saturday night. Donning yellow-and-green throwback uniforms, the Gators took down the Marlborough Panthers, 3-0, along the shores of Lake Quinsigamond at Worcester’s Hon. Charles J. Buffone Skating Arena.
“I used to play against Grafton when they wore ‘the yellows,’ so it’s really nice to bring them back,” said Grafton Head Coach Mike Binkoski. “I have to give all the credit to our assistant coach Dave Wooten. He’s pretty much the mayor of Grafton. He went to Grafton, plays in Grafton, teaches in Grafton, and it was all his idea to bring them back.”
“They look awesome out there.”
After falling to Marlborough in a 4-3 overtime loss on Dec. 30 — an ‘L’ that started a weeklong, three-game skid for the Gators — Grafton understood it would take more than just the flashy “new” uniforms to ensure this game didn’t end in similar fashion.
So the Gators played with pace and effort throughout the contest, and with 2:27 remaining in the second period, their work was finally rewarded. Asher Petrie scored his first career goal, getting his team ahead 1-0 and in position to get “back in the win column.”
“It was coming off the wall, and I stepped in, put it on the net. My guys did the work, screened the goalie. It just took a lucky bounce and went in,” said Petrie.
Those bright-yellow uniforms made Grafton’s celebration hard to miss. The Gators were clearly very excited for their teammate’s accomplishment.
“It was everything we work on. Getting pucks back to the point, D-men picking their heads up, finding the lane, keeping the shot nice and low, and getting bodies to the front. Asher is one of the best at that. Keeping the shot nice and low, keeping the shot on net. It was his first career goal, so that’s really nice to see,” added Binkoski.
Two players try to gain position while hustling to the puck. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
From there, the Gators added to their lead. Assisted by Sammy Haskell and Kevin Branda, Anthony Dionis gave Grafton some insurance, widening his team’s lead to 2-0 with 13:06 remaining. An empty-netter from Juan Scott made the tally 3-0.
“It all starts in practice. This group is a tremendous group of student athletes. Every day they come to practice, they work their hardest. They do what we coach them on. They’re working, they’re listening, they’re coachable. Every day, there’s good energy, good effort — and that translates into games,” said Binkoski.
Jamie Puopolo brings the puck up the ice. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Jamie Puopolo extends his stick to control the puck. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
A Marlborough player controls the puck. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Charlie Oftring takes a shot. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Juan Scott handles the puck. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Juan Scott fires a shot at the Marlborough goalie. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Juan Scott brings the puck up the ice with two teammates in the area. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Grafton’s Juan Scott is hit while shooting the puck. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Grafton celebrates Asher Petrie’s first career goal, which put the team ahead 1-0. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Grafton celebrates Asher Petrie’s first career goal, which put the team ahead 1-0. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
