February 16 was a night of celebration as the Littleton/Bromfield Tigers honored their seniors and their win against the Assabet Aztecs 5-3 at the Groton School Rink #2. Two days later the Tigers tied the Fitchburg Raiders 3-3 at the Wallace Civic Center. Both games brought the Tigers closer to the playoffs. They now have a total of 19 points out of the needed 20. Littleton/Bromfield must win or tie its last game to advance to the playoffs.
The Feb. 16 game was carried by the seniors, as they scored 4 out of the 5 goals against Assabet on senior night. Littleton senior defenseman Sean Keefe was out with a concussion, a huge loss for the team, but despite his absence, the Tigers came out on top. After a frustrating start, Littleton senior Danny Angell got off a shot, barely missing the top of the net. The Aztecs quickly took possession and headed down the ice toward the Tigers junior goalkeeper, Ben Canfield. Canfield caught the puck in his glove, however, and when the period ended, the game was scoreless.
The second period began with an Aztec penalty two minutes in. Seconds later, Littleton senior Justin Montepeluso flicked the puck into the net with a power play. His goal was assisted by Bromfield freshman Maddox Lizotte and Angell. Assabet scored a minute later, but the goal only fueled the Tigers’ determination. The offensive players pushed harder and were rewarded with a goal from Angell three minutes later, assisted by Lizotte. With a minute left in the second period, Angell scored once again with an assist from Lizotte, and the period ended with the Tigers in the lead 3-1.
Senior Alex Magan (No. 3) and goalkeeper Ben Canfield try to shut down the Fitchburg offense. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
In the final period the two teams played with renewed energy and determination. Six minutes in, Littleton sophomore Derek Peterson pushed the puck into the net with assists from Littleton sophomore Timmy Kelleher and Littleton senior Dan Paxton. Littleton/Bromfield supporters weren’t worried until Assabet scored back-to-back goals just seconds apart with three minutes left in the period. But with 45 seconds left on the clock, Angell scored, this time without an assist, securing a 5-3 Tiger victory. As the Tigers celebrated their win, their supporters celebrated both their seniors and their victory. All nine of Littleton/Bromfield’s seniors were recognized and honored with photos and posters.
The Feb. 18 Tiger match-up with Fitchburg was closely fought. Paxton was first to score, with assists by Littleton junior Sean Mizzoni and Kelleher. Littleton/Bromfield regained possession almost immediately. Lizotte attempted another goal, but Fitchburg stole the puck and the Raiders headed down the ice to score their first goal just six minutes later. For the remaining four minutes of the period, the Tigers attempted to gain the lead but time ran out, leaving the teams tied at 1-1.
In the second period Fitchburg was first to score on a power play four minutes in. Two minutes later it was Littleton/Bromfield’s turn, as Montepeluso sent the puck flying into the net with an assist from Lizotte and Angell. The rest of the period was a battle for possession, but neither team scored and it ended with a tie score of 2-2.
With three minutes left in the final period, Lizotte pushed the puck into the Raiders’ goal. Only a minutes later, the Raiders’ forced their way past the Tigers’ defensemen and scored. With about 20 seconds left, Littleton/Bromfield attempted another goal, but time ran out before they were able to score, and the game ended in a 3-3-tie.
As of Feb. 19, the Tigers are fourth in the five-member Coughlin Conference with an overall record of 8-8-3. They are scheduled to play Grafton Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Groton School Rink #2.
Erin Flynn is a Bromfield freshman
