Mansfield Boys Ice Hockey Lose to Franklin, 5-2, D-2 South Finals

The Mansfield High boys' ice hockey team lost to Franklin, 5-2, on Sunday after a 45-minute grudge match in the Division 2 South finals at the Gallo Arena in Bourne.

Franklin struck early in the game, scoring twice in the first period. Mansfield was not phased, however, as they have come back from a two-point deficit many

times before in the season. It was actually a game of opposite teams, as Franklin usually starts off strong and peters off, while Mansfield builds as the game progresses. Franklin scored again in the second period, bringing the score to 3-0.

“That’s been one of our downfalls all year,” Mansfield head coach Rick Anastos said. “The first period just seems to kill us all the time, we’re always chasing it.”

True to form, Mansfield came back with a shot from Brendan Murphy in the first four seconds of a power play with 8:08 left in the period. Franklin and Mansfield duked it out for the rest of the period.

“Franklin is such a good team,” Anastos said. “We knew they were going to come out flying, that’s what they do. Eventually they kind of kick off. What I didn’t want to do was have them score on the first period. We really wanted to get that first goal.”

Mansfield goalie Richard Shipman made some amazing saves and kept Franklin honest during the game.

At 1:15 into the third period, Erick Foley took a goal to the net assisted by Bryan Hurley.

“I’m extremely proud of the way the kids fought,” Anastos said. “You have to remember that… on that ice today, [there are] seven freshman. I couldn’t be prouder."

Mansfield picked up their game at this point, upping their shots and out shooting Franklin for the entire period.

“”I thought we had a little magic left,” Anastos said. “It was pretty close; the kids really worked hard.”

Mansfield pulled their goalie in the last minute. Franklin scored twice on the open net to bring the score to the final, 5-2.

Mansfield had a total of 22 shots on goal, while at the other end, Shipman had a total of 21 saves during the game.

Anastos said that he looking to next year, saying his freshmen will get much better in the years to come, while his juniors and sophomores can only improve.

To see a replay of our live coverage of the game, .