Riding the momentum of an early goal and getting steading goaltending, the Watertown High School upset Wayland, 4-1, in the MIAA Div. 3 North boys hockey tournament on Thursday night at John Ryan Arena.
While they played in their home rink, the Raiders were the road team as the the 12th seed taking on fifth seeded Wayland.
Watertown entered the second period with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a goal from freshman Nathan Master, assisted by senior Alex Egan and senior Luke Murphy.
“We struggle getting goals, so that was a big plus for us to get at least that one goal in,” said Watertown Head Boys Hockey Coach John Vlachos.
Sophomore Nick DiPace doubled the lead when he scored 2:24 into the second period, off an assist from freshman Mason Andrade.
Less than five minutes later Wayland narrowed the gap to a goal, when sophomore Mike Boschetto scored on a pass from sophomore Joe Tardif.
Wayland threw all they had at the Raiders for the rest of the second period and most of the third. Watertown’s defense and net-minder junior Kevin Greene were up to the task, including killing two penalties early in the third period.
“When they made it 2-1 we stayed in the game, and in the third period we just weathered the storm,” Vlachos said. “Our defense did a great job and our goalie was outstanding.”
A goal by senior Brett Sutherland with 1:23 left in the third gave Watertown a cushion. He was assisted by Egan and Murphy. Then Egan iced the game with an unassisted empty netter with 39 seconds left.
Vlachos said his team is young, and he concentrates on having them work hard all game and during practices. The team has also benefited from great goaltending.
“He probably had in mid-20s (saves tonight),” Vlachos said. “He had a great third period, a good second period. Kevin Greene has been solid for us the whole year. He’s one of the best goalies in the (Middlesex) League.”
The Raiders improved to 9-8-4, and will face fourth seed Dracut/Tyngsboro (11-7-3) in the North Section quarterfinal on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Chelmsford Arena. D/T defeated Northeast Regional 2-0 on Thursday.
