BCR Holds Off Fermi Hockey Co-Op, 3-2

An evening filled with emotion ended well for the struggling Bolton-Coventry-Rockville-RHAM ice hockey team Friday.

The Shamrocks jumped out to an early lead, then held off a furious Fermi-Enfield-East Granby-Stafford rally in the closing moments to earn a 3-2 triumph at the Bolton Ice Palace.

With the victory, BCR improves to 16th position in the Division III rankings; the top 16 teams qualify for the state tournament.

Prior to the game, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Rob Turo, father of Shamrocks assistant captain Matt Turo, who unexpectedly passed away earlier in the week.

Less than 48 hours before his dad is to be laid to rest, Matt Turo insisted on playing, and turned in a solid performance on the Shamrocks’ blue line.

BCR got on the scoreboard just 2:59 into the contest on a breakaway goal by Paul Bates, assisted by Kevin Bishop and Connor Morton. Just 29 seconds into the second period, Morton scored off an assist from Bates for a 2-0 lead.

The Falcons cut the deficit in half on a Matt Votta goal during a 4-on-3 power play, leaving the Shamrocks with a 2-1 lead at the second intermission.

Bishop scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with just over four minutes remaining, a power play tally which was assisted by Nick LeGeyt.

The Fermi co-op would not fold, however, taking advantage of a BCR penalty by pulling goaltender Sam Roy in favor of a sixth attacker in the final 90 seconds. The strategy paid off when Thomas Vose beat Shamrock goaltender Connor McGrath with 35 seconds left.

The Falcons put considerable pressure on McGrath in the final moments, but the senior netminder staved off the challenge to preserve the victory. He finished with 18 saves.

BCR has a week off before returning to the ice Friday, hosting Wethersfield-Rocky Hill-Middletown Jan. 29 at 8:10 p.m.

Photo credits: Tim Jensen