Austin Prep Wins 'Battle of Reading' to Advance in Super 8

It was a play that summed up Reading High School's Super 8 series against in town foe Austin Prep. Close, but not quite enough.

With four seconds remaining in the third period, trailing 1-0, the Rockets finally beat Cougar sophomore goalie Elijah Harris for a split second. The puck fluttered over his head and came to a stop - right over the cross bar and on top of the net. 

Austin Prep dodged the bullet, and eventually the Rockets on Wednesday night, winning 1-0 to sweep its quarterfinal Super 8 boys hockey series and advance to face either St. John's Prep or Central Catholic.

"We left it on the ice. It was terrific," said Reading head coach Mark Doherty. "I just think we weren't thrilled with our first game, quite honestly. But that's the sport. If the goalie gets hot at the right time, that can change the flow. And that's what happened."

Harris turned away 39 shots on the evening, stealing the show for a second straight game with his outstanding performance.

"Everyone has been saying we're young all year, but not anymore. We've matured," said Austin Prep head coach Louis Finocchiaro. "Playing in a big game like this against a senior-led team like Reading, they answered the challenge. They played well. They won two games against a great hockey team."

With the win Austin Prep, including Reading resident Brendan Leach, keeps its championship dreams alive. With a win on Wednesday, the team would advance to play for a state championship on the TD Garden ice. 

The Rockets, meanwhile, closed out their season with the tough loss at Stoneham Arena.

"If you have to lose a game, I guess this is the way to do it," said Doherty. "It's tough in the room right now, but we'll get through it."

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