The Boys Varsity Hockey team continued to struggle after last week’s losses, dropping two more games to Governor’s Academy and Cushing Academy, 4-1 and 5-2 respectively. Andover traveled to Governor’s before the long weekend to take on a strong Governor’s team in front of their home crowd. Seven minutes into the first, Governor’s led off with a great shot that found its way past starting Goaltender Curtis Frye ’13. By the end of a physical first period, Governor’s had doubled its lead. Andover came out of the locker room firing, but they could not keep up with the Governor’s offense, as Governor’s added another to their lead with three minutes to play in the second period. After great combination play between Larken Kemp ’13, Seamus O’Neil ’13 and Eddie Ellis ’13, Ellis was able to find the back of the net with a beautiful shot to put Andover on the board. The goal was not enough to change the momentum, and Governor’s quickly recovered, adding one more goal to their lead, and clinched the win. “Even though we lost, it was a solid effort all around from the squad. It was definitely a step in the right direction, and hopefully we can keep going in this direction and finish the season off strong,” said O’Neil. After a break over the long weekend, Andover faced a tough Cushing squad. Boasting a 22-4 record this season, and riding a five game winning streak, Cushing proved too much for Andover. With 13 minutes down in the first period, Cushing scored first, but Andover’s relentless defense held Cushing scoreless for the rest of the period. However, Andover could not hold off Cushing’s offense in the second period, as 30 seconds in, Cushing struck again, doubling their lead. By the end of the second period, Cushing had increased their lead to three. Cushing led off the scoring in the third period once again but was followed quickly by a brilliant goal from TJ Hickey ’11. Cushing took back their four point margin with four minutes remaining in the third but were not able to hold onto it as O’Neil took a pass from Conor Coveney ’11 and fired into the back of the net for the second Andover goal of the game. Andover looks to improve their record next week against Tabor and Brooks.
