This past Saturday, Boys’ JV Hockey lost a 2-1 nail biter against Taft but not for lack of effort. With most of the action coming late in the game, both teams had multiple scoring opportunities but could not seem to finish. Choate played well considering they were missing several key players. Junior Jonah Feldman ’20 said of the game: “Taft controlled most of the first period, with Choate goalie Charlie Tait keeping us in the game.” The rink buzzed with energy, and the game was exciting to watch as both teams crashed the other’s offensive third. Choate was able to get into a rhythm late in the game and looked sharp as they deftly passed the puck.
As the second period started, Choate began to pick up the pace. With a score of 0-0 at the beginning of the second period, Choate had multiple chances to score but could not put a puck past the Taft goalie. Overall, the two teams played a close second period with both teams rushing the puck into the offensive thirds. Charlie Tait ’21 skillfully defended the net and had key saves in the second half. Dallyn Rai ’20 was another stand-out and was praised by his teammates for “playing outstanding.”
Taft’s first goal came on a power play with 8:23 left in the second period. Their second goal came a minute later at 7:24, as a Taft player took the puck up and slipped it by the goalie. Feldman, Choate’s left forward stated, “It was a hard fought battle, but we came up a little short. Taft played really well and it was a tough loss.”
As play resumed, it seemed Choate was renewed with new energy, and if the players were tired, they did not show it. Tait had another great save, but after Choate players committed multiple penalties they were left with three on the ice and two in the penalty box. Taft had another great scoring opportunity, but Tait was able to fend them off with another incredible save near the end of the second period.
Choate also created more opportunities near the end of the second period. They pressed the Taft players hard on defense when in the offensive third, and Choate was able to score with a minute left on a power play. Numerous shots in front of the net led to Luke Tomak ’20 finishing for Choate.
The team was certainly not happy with the outcome, but they maintained some optimism despite the loss. Junior defenseman Brendan Sullivan ’20 said of the team’s efforts: “I think we kind of started out slow and had a rough first two periods. As the game progressed, more opportunities came our way in the third period, but we weren’t able to score until it was too late.”
Although the boys lost the game, they have a few more chances to win before the season ends. However, because of numerous injuries, the games won’t be easy. “Heading into the end of the season, we want to rally around that are still healthy and try to end the season on a high-note. Certain guys are going to have to step up and play larger roles than they are used to.” Sullivan expressed. Boys’ JV Hockey looks to close out a strong season with one last game against Kent on Saturday.
