Natick Hockey Heads to Playoffs Despite Senior Night Loss

In a game that ultimately decided the Herget Division winner, the Wellesley Raiders were able to defeat the Red and Blue by a score of 2-1.

Prior to the start of the game, Natick held their annual senior night ceremony, which included each of the fourteen Natick High School seniors and their parents.

But once the game began it was all business from the drop of the puck until the final buzzer sounded.

After waiting through the Natick ceremony, the Raiders (11-5-2) who were able to clinch the division with their victory,  stormed out to an early 1-0 lead as just 1:24 into the period Sam Lawrence beat Natick goalie Derek Kwok. 

The Wellesley goal which was assisted by Connor Darcey and Andrew Docktor came while Natick was shorthanded, a theme that would ultimately haunt them by the end of the game.

Natick (10-8), who was outshot the in the first period by a margin of 12-6, ended up being on the wrong side of the shot total by the end of the third period.  By the end of the game Natick’s Kwok faced 31 Raider shots, while Wellesley goalie Zach Herbert-Burns faced just 15.

However, the play of Kwok allowed Natick to get back in the game in the second period. Despite getting outshot 11-7 in the second, Natick scored the only goal.  Senior captain Tyler Kaplan’s shot from the point found the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1. The goal, which was assisted by Sean Ahern, gave Natick new life heading into the third and final period.

With the game tied at one, and the division on the line, Natick and Wellesley fought hard to the final minutes.

Then, with just 1:59 to go in the game, and once again on the man advantage, Wellesley’s Trent Kapinos scored to give the Raiders the lead for good at 2-1.

Despite the loss, Natick is still headed to the playoffs. They clinched a spot by beating Norwood on Feb. 12, and have won seven of their last nine games.

Next up for the Red and Blue is their final division, and Bay State Conference, game of the year, as they travel to Dedham. The puck drops at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Additional Notes: Tonight was senior night at William Chase Arena, here is the list of all the senior players on the Red and Blue: Chris Hills, KP McKenna, Ryan Bibo, Justin Arno, Sean Donohue, Harry McCall, Joe Crosby, Mike Donahue, Kris Funk, Dylan Mortarelli, Sean Ahern and the three captains, John Bishop, Ryan Nee and Tyler Kaplan.