The East Catholic High School Eagles took on the United Hockey team of Manchester-Stafford-Rockville on Tuesday in a fast-paced, jaw dropping game at the Bolton Ice Palace. The Eagles soared over the United Hockey team in a 3-1 victory which secured the Miller Cup for East Catholic.
The first goal of the night was scored by Patrick O’ Connor with a slap shot in a man down situation with 7:55 left on the clock in the first period.
Assisted by Nick Artikes, this opening score gave East Catholic the momentum to hold off the United Hockey team until the end of the period.
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In the second period both teams came out strong. The tensions were high as shot after shot was rocketed at East Catholic goalie Anthony Behr and United Hockey goalie Ryan Villandry. There were hard hits and fast sticks but despite the cheers from the crowd,neither team was able to put their shots past the opposing team's goalie in the second period.
After a brief intermission the game was back on for the third and final period. Although East Catholic held a one goal lead, the final outcome was still very much up in the air.
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That was until Jared Nelson, senior forward for East Catholic, slapped one into the right post with 4:31 left in the third period. He was assisted by fellow senior Danny DeFilippo.
While the crowd was still cheering from the last goal, Jared Nelson scored again. This time he was assisted by Patrick O’Connor and together they secured the 3-1 win for East Catholic over United Hockey.
East Catholic had 35 shots on goal, compared to United Hockey's 28.
The Eagles notched their record to 3-2 on the season and will next square off against the combined teams of E.O. Smith, Tolland and Windham Jan. 15.
Manchester-Stafford-Rockville falls to 3-3 and will next square off against the combined teams of Fitch-East Lyme-Ledyard Jan. 15.
