Boys Hockey Raises Banner, Then Goal Total [VIDEO]

Following its home opener, the Wilmington boys hockey team has a full week off before its next game. But just in case, the Wildcats scored about a week’s worth of goals on Saturday against Lexington.

Wilmington pelted the visitors with eight goals, including three in one minute during a stretch in the third period that featured two goals in seven seconds. The defending champions went on to an 8-2 win, bouncing back from a 3-1 season opening loss to Woburn.

“One of the goals was to come out in the third period and put the thing away, so the kids did a good job of doing that,” said head coach Steve Scanlon. “We are a work in progress, and we’re not 100 percent. So we still have plenty to work on.”

Brendan McDonough led the offensive charge with two goals and two assists for the Wildcats while Luke Foley notched two goals of his own. Freshman William Falter scored his first varsity goal, Dylan DiNatale added his first of the season, defenseman Anthony Castellano and sophomore Steve DeFuria joined in the fun as well. Brian Pickett added two assists.

The highlight of the day came with Wilmington leading 5-2 midway through the third period. DeFuria scored unassisted with 7:47 to go, and on the ensuing faceoff McDonough took the puck, soared down ice and put it in the back of the net just seven seconds later.

Foley chipped in his second goal 54 seconds later making it three goals in 1:01 of game play.

It was a much needed result for the Wildcats, who opened the season with sky high expectations but were frustrated by the result of their initial tilt against Woburn.

“Believe it or not, after all the big games we’ve been in we seemed rattled by the crowd over there,” said Scanlon. “It was like (Woburn) won the Stanley Cup when the game was over, and you’re going to get that in every building you go in. People know who you are now, and you’re not sneaking up on anyone. I think it’ll be good in the long run.”

Scanlon said the team is looking forward to the week off between games so they can get healthy. It’s possible senior captain Cam Owens will return Saturday from his shoulder injury. 

“(The win over Lexington) was a game we needed after Wednesday night,” said Scanlon. “So we’re happy to even the slate, take some time off, and get back to work.”