Michael Lata ’14 scored late in the third period to put Andover up 2-1 against Brewster in Andover Boys Hockey’s first game of the season. Shortly after, Conal Lynch ’13 scored an empty net goal to give Andover a 3-1 lead and the victory.
“The game proved that we have a lot of work to do, but it’s still nice to start the season off with a win,” said Alternate Captain Connor Light ’13.
Andover drew first blood when Light scored a goal on a shot from the point to give Andover an early 1-0 lead.
Brewster responded in the second period by scoring a power-play goal to tie the game.
Andover took the lead in the third period when David Belluche ’14 passed to Lata who scored a crucial goal to give Andover the lead once again.
Lynch then added the empty netter to secure the team’s victory.
Andover has high expectations for the season ahead with many returning Lowers, Uppers and Seniors and a group of new players joining the team.
“The team is looking really strong this year,” said Patrick Daly ’15, a returning forward. “We didn’t lose many Seniors last year and everyone improved a lot over the offseason.”
Captain Eddie Ellis ’13 and Alternate Captains Seamus O’Neill ’13 and Light will lead the team this year.
“We have a lot of experienced players, so we have a lot of potential” said Ellis “It’s just a matter of executing.”
The team is the deepest it has been in years, with outstanding depth at the forward position and six returning defensemen.
On top of the great depth at the forward and defense positions, the team has Ross Bendetson ’13 and two new goalies, Eric Wurman ’15 and Jake Pelton ’14, holding down the fort in net.
Ellis said, “The new guys are already contributing and fitting in very well, and they’re all great kids.”
The team looks to build on the third period of the Brewster game when it takes on Pomfret this coming Saturday. Following Pomfret, Andover will take on Pingree and Groton after finals week and then participate in the highly competitive annual Flood Marr Tournament two weeks from today.
