Coming off a three-game losing streak, the Littleton/Bromfield/Parker boys ice hockey team hosted the Division 3 Easthampton Eagles Monday, Jan. 15, at the Groton School, winning the game 3-2.
The teams faced off last season and the Tigers lost, as they have to every Division 3 opponent since 2021. A few shifts into the game, it was apparent the Tigers were looking to put a stop to their losing streak as the team won races to the puck and physical battles for control.
For most of the first period, the teams exchanged scoring opportunities that each team’s goalie confidently rejected. Late in the first period, the Tigers were able to open the scoring when Littleton junior Ethan King, temporarily filling in on defense, scored with a slapshot from the right side of the rink following a strong forecheck by Harvard sophomore Conor Glew.
The fast-paced play continued during the second period, and the Eagles were able to tie the game, scoring when the Tigers’ defense turned the puck over following a dangerous passing play in their own zone.
Third period play continued at a high tempo, with each team having good offensive zone time resulting in goals. The Tigers scored a few minutes into the period when Littleton sophomore Andrew Archer’s shot went just wide of the net, bouncing off the end boards to the other side where Conor Glew had an opening to slide the puck into the partially open net. The Eagles responded by scoring two minutes later, evening the score 2-2. With just under two minutes remaining in the third period, a careless stick foul by the Tigers gave the Eagles a power play. The Tigers’ penalty kill, led by Parker senior goalie Charles Becker, withstood several high-quality scoring chances as time ran out in the third period.
In regular season play, teams tied at the end of three periods play a five-minute overtime period, but with only three skaters on each side, which increases the likelihood of a goal being scored. But because the Tigers had almost 30 seconds of penalty time remaining, the Eagles started the overtime period with a one-man advantage. As the penalty expired, and each team had four skaters on the ice, play transitioned to the Eagles’ end where the Tigers were able to make three quick passes across the ice, resulting in Harvard sophomore Liam Glew scoring in overtime for the 3-2 win.
Two-for-two: A win against Oakmont
With no practice on Tuesday due to the snow, the Tigers were right back at it Wednesday night hosting the Oakmont Spartans. The teams faced off almost exactly a month ago, when the Tigers won 6-2. In the rematch, the Spartans were hopeful of a different outcome after scoring the first goal, but the Tigers responded forcefully, ultimately winning 5-1. The Tigers’ goals came from Harvard linemates Zack Lizotte, Conor Glew, and Liam Glew, with the Glew brothers each scoring two goals.
With a 3-2 record in the Coughlin Conference and overall 6-5 record the Tigers were ranked 20th out of 51 in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings. The Tigers have two games remaining in January before a busy six-game stretch to end the regular season on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 22.
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Brian Piekos is a Littleton/Bromfield/Parker boys ice hockey team parent.
Harvard’s Conor Glew carries the puck into the offensive zone. (Photo by Brian Piekos)
