During the final weekend of the season, the last two games had more meaning than just another two-game series. It was the seniors’ last games wearing the Blue N on their chest. This year’s senior class is one of the smallest in junior team history and includes five student-athletes: Patrick Callahan, Sam DiBitetto, Daniel Lambert, Shane McGrath, and Santeri Hartikainen.
In the first game of the weekend versus Seacoast Prep, the Huskies got off to a fast start. Will Arquiett (Forward, 2019) started the scoring, tipping a shot from Hartikainen (Forward, 2018). The group added to that with a rocket from the top of the circles by Tommy Bannister (Forward, 2020), who made it 2-0. Seacoast would get a goal early in the 3rd period, and the game saw chances back and forth, but still 2-1 Huskies. With 58 seconds left in the game, Seacoast got a lucky bounce and was able to put one in the back of the net, to knot it up at two. The game would need overtime. In OT, the Huskies dominated play, but couldn’t score. Eventually the game went to a shootout to decide the winner. Cody Monds (Forward, 2020) and Arquiett both scored, but that wouldn’t be enough. It was a tough loss, but goaltender Rico DiMatteo ‘20 played extremely well in net, helping the Huskies the entire game.
With one game left, the group wasn’t going out with a loss. A win was the only option. The Huskies started the scoring with a goal from Stephen Panico (Forward, 2019). Seacoast score two quick goals to make it 2-1. The boys weren’t going to back down. With a goal late in the second period by Coal Leal (Defense, 2019), it was 2-2 to start the third. Holding nothing back, the Huskies dominated the entire period, netting goals by Arquiett and Bannister, who was fed a beautiful pass by Callahan. The Huskies won 4-2, making the seniors’ last game in the uniform one to remember.
The entire Junior Team would like to thank the seniors for all they have done this season. You will all be greatly missed next season but they wish you nothing but the best in the next chapter of your careers.
