GREENFIELD — An offensive explosion propelled the Greenfield hockey team to a 10-6 win over Minnechaug at Collins-Moylan on Saturday night. It was one of the better offensive performances in recent memory for the Green Wave.
“Anytime you spot 10 in a game, that’s something to be very excited about” Greenfield coach Adam Bouchard said. “It really comes down to effort…we are a firm believer as a team that the harder effort you put in the more luck that you create as well.”
Greenfield (10-6-1, 7-3-1 Berry) only led 6-5 in the third period. Defenseman Jack Laurie proceeded to score four straight goals to seal the win for Greenfield. On multiple occasions, Laurie sniped shots top shelf past the Minnechaug goalie’s blocker at difficult angles.
“I kept shooting there and it kept going in,” Laurie said. “I tried not to overthink it.”
The last time the Green Wave played at home, they lost a two-goal lead in the final minutes of the third period to Westfield. The defenseman attacked the offensive zone often in the win. A lot goes into the decision to pinch into the offensive zone for Laurie.
“We got a lot of pucks on net,” Laurie said. “We couldn’t risk giving up another two goal lead. I attack when we have numbers or when I see space. I don’t try to push it too much if I don’t see space. Sometimes I look at the other teams and I match up with the lines. If their first line is out there I try not to go too aggressively.”
Shawn Baumann had a hat trick by the second period for the Green Wave. Shawn Beckwith, Luca Siano and Chase Zraunig also scored for Greenfield.
“Usually we start off really slow,” Baumann said. “Starting quick is way better for our team. It boosted our morale. Everyone was in a way better mood. I feel like every time we play Minnechaug there’s a lot of goals. We are both very aggressive teams that go after the puck.”
The Westfield game was a great way for the team to learn from its mistakes when holding a third period lead.
“It was a great learning experience the last time we were in this barn” Bouchard said. “We now know what we can’t do the next time. This game got to 6-5. Instead of collapsing we can see the team defense and our defense getting the puck out of the zone. The little things that all add up.”
Cooper Smith made 21 saves for the Green Wave. Baumann opened the scoring on a power play one-timer from Luca Siano at the 1:51 mark of the first period. Zraunig’s goal made the score 2-0 just over a minute later.
Baumann scored his second of the night with 1:15 left in the first period. Baumann and Luca Siano scored second period goals for Greenfield. The Green Wave went into the third period with a 5-3 lead. Beckwith’s goal gave Greenfield a 6-3 lead. Minnechaug then scored two straight goals to get to within one-goal of Greenfield.
Luca Siano (3), Nico Siano, Beckwith (3), Chayton Massa, Laurie (2), Wayde Bardwell (2), Zraunig (3), Brady Poreda and Baumann (2) had assists for Greenfield.
Laurie then scored his four straight goals to close the game. The final goal came on an empty net. Enzo Hrycay had thee goals for the Falcons. Jake Moore, Brody Faneuff, and Kelly Balog also scored for Minnechaug.
Greenfield closes its regular season with an independent game against Lunenburg at home next Saturday. Puck drop is set for 6:30.
David M. Petrin Alumni Hockey Game
White Team 7. Green Team 5 — Prior to the Greenfield hockey game, the 33rd Annual David M. Petrin Memorial Green Wave Alumni Hockey Game took place at Collins-Moylan.
The White Team, led by Hunter Smith’s hat trick, outlasted the Green Team. Jake Elwell, Pete Smith, Michael McGoldrick and Kyle Barnes scored for the White team. Austin Urkeil made 27 saves.
For the Green Team, Zack Geyster scored two goals. Robert Harris, Sammy Knight and Tim Petrin each scored one goal. Matt Chumbly made 23 saves.
Girls basketball
Drury 40, Pioneer 13 — The Panthers lost to the Blue Devils in an independent match up at Messer Gymnasium on Saturday. Maggie Tsipenyuk led Pioneer (10-7) with eight points. Kyler McClelland added three points while Deveney Pillsbury chipped in with two points.
