GREENFIELD — The Greenfield hockey team enacted a level of revenge in its 3-2 win over Ludlow in Berry Division play on Monday at Collins-Moylan Arena.
In their previous meeting this season, the Green Wave let a three-goal lead slip away against the Lions. It’s also been five years since Greenfield beat its current Berry Division rival.
“Ludlow really matches up strong with us,” Greenfield coach Adam Bouchard said. “They’ve definitely had our number for the past couple seasons. They took it to us the first time this year.”
The win is the first in Berry Division play this season for Greenfield (2-4-1, 1-3-1 Berry).
“This is one we knew we needed to get back from the first time we saw them,” Bouchard said, “and continue on with our winning ways that we have here. Coming in at 0-3-1 in the league is obviously not where we want to be in our first four league games. League has great parity up and down which is fantastic. To come away with our first league win is a great way to solidify the start of the new year.”
Greenfield gave up six goals in its last game against the Lions. The Green Wave fell behind early but a goal by Jack Laurie tied the game in the first period. Shawn Baumann and Luca Siano assisted on the goal.
Laurie scored on a shot just inside the blue line. The team worked on defense incessantly leading up to the game against Ludlow.
“Way less penalties,” Laurie said of the defensive effort. “And structure. We did like three practices of straight structure.”
Luca Siano scored in the second period to give Greenfield the lead. Near the Ludlow goal, Siano found the puck and slipped it past Ludlow goalie Peter LeBorgne.
“I used to think puck luck was luck,” Siano said. “It’s a skill. It just comes from working hard. I have seen that move in the shootout of the world juniors. That little tuck. It comes from watching hockey and knowing what to do in the right situation.”
Ludlow’s Gavin Harrington took a shot at Siano after the goal. Siano who was in close vicinity to the opposing netminder after the puck crossed the red line.
“It was a cheap shot that gave us a power play,” Siano said. “I didn’t say anything to him. He was just mad I buried it on his goalie.”
Luca Siano is on the same line as his younger brother, Nico Siano. Luca Siano showed some frustration with his brother in the third period after a failed set up in the offensive zone.
“I love playing with him,” Luca Siano said. “We work really well together. We move the puck well. Clearly, I get a little frustrated with the kid. I love him to death. But I hold him to a higher standard then everyone on the team because he’s my brother.”
A second period goal by Nicholas Constantine gave the Green Wave some much needed insurance in the second period. Brady Poreda and Chase Zraunig assisted on the goal.
Late in the third period, Cameron Friese scored on a slap shot from the blue line to cut the lead down to 3-2 heading into the second period. Sean Kefalas assisted on the goal.
The Greenfield defense went 2-for-2 in the penalty-kill in the third period to help hold the lead. Ben Johnston made 25 saves to help preserve the win.
AJ Stupak scored Ludlow’s first goal, assisted by Andrew Lambert.
Greenfield travels to Olympia Ice Arena in West Springfield to play Longmeadow (3-3-1, 3-3 Berry) on Thursday. Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m.
