The Greenfield hockey team is looking to win its first sectional title since 2008, but standing in the way is a Wahconah squad that’s been on a tear the last month of the season.
The third-seeded Warriors have won seven of their last eight games, including two impressive wins in the tournament thus far.
Taking on No. 6 Belchertown in the quarterfinals, Wahconah dominated in a 7-1 victory, with six different players finding the back of the net. In the semifinals against No. 2 Amherst, the Warriors led 2-0 for the majority of the game before ultimately pulling out a 3-1 win.
“We’ve been on a good run,” Wahconah coach Matt Risley said. “In the middle of the year we ran into some injuries and sicknesses. Seems like we’ve come out the other end in good shape. Nice to have everyone healthy this time of year.”
The two teams have some history. The Warriors (16-3-2) hosted the Green Wave (18-3) on Jan. 15, a game that resulted in a 4-3 Wahconah victory.
Risley admitted there are some advantages and disadvantages to the fact that the two teams have already played once this season.
“Yes and no,” Risley explained when asked whether he’s happy to have already played Greenfield. “Yes in the fact you know what you’re going into. No in the fact the kids, they’re teenagers. Sometimes their heads get in their way. I’m glad it’s us two facing each other.”
Forward Ryan LaPierre has been a monster for the Warriors thus far in the postseason. The senior scored in the win over the Orioles and followed it up with a two-goal performance against the Hurricanes to earn his team a spot in the finals.
A physical team, Wahconah is looking to bring an edge into Thursday’s contest while staying out of the penalty box at the same time.
In the semifinals, the Warriors and Amherst combined for over 10 penalties, leaving little flow to the game.
“We’re happy to be here,” Risley said. “I’m glad everything has turned out as it has. It’s two good teams representing in the game. I just hope both teams play their best and the game is decided by the players.”
Between the pipes, Risley said there likely won’t be many mistakes from either goaltender on Thursday.
His son, Jake Risley, came up with 35 saves against the Hurricanes, allowing just the one goal. Jake Risley has three shutouts on the season.
On the other end of the ice, Greenfield’s Riley Drew has been nearly unbeatable in his senior season.
“He’s had a good year,” Risley said of his son/goaltender. “He was sick in the middle, glad he recovered to get back on the ice and play. (Drew) has done a great job for them. Neither goalie is going to give up the game.”
Beating the Green Wave twice in one season won’t be an easy task. Greenfield has lost just once since the defeat back in January.
Risley knows his team needs to play a full, 45-minute contest to come out as sectional champs.
“We’re going to have to skate, work hard and play together,” Risley said. “We’re a hard-working, aggressive team. We have to go out and play our game and play together. If that doesn’t happen, it could be bad things for us. If we work hard, that leads to good things.”
It’s been six years since a Berkshire team has won the 3A title, when Warriors took home the 2014 title.
Wahconah last appeared in the sectional championship in 2015, and the program hopes to bring the title back home on Thursday.
“That’d be huge,” Risley said. “It’s been a while since anyone around here has been a sectional champ in hockey. I’ve coached these kids all the way up. They’re a good group of hard working kids.”