With goals from six different players in two games, Andover boys hockey cruised to wins over Loomis-Chaffee and Thayer, improving their home record to an impressive 6-0. After sloppy defensive play to start off the Loomis game, the Pelicans jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. Jason Nawrocki ’13 commented on the rough start, saying, “We knew we were the stronger side, but we weren’t performing, so going into the second we knew we had some adjustments to make, both physically and mentally.” Andover’s adjustments proved successful, as Austin Heffner ’13 beat the Loomis goalie five-hole to cut the visitors’ score in half. For the second time in two minutes, an Andover forward beat the Loomis goalie, as Lawrence Kemp ’13 beat scored high blocker side. With time running out in the second, postgraduate TJ Hickey ’11 scored his team-leading tenth goal of the season. After a dominating second period, the boys came out looking to seal the win with physical play. With nine minutes gone, Connor Light ’13 found the top left corner of the net with a blistering shot from the point. Heffner scored his second goal of the game off of a great pass from Luca Tresham ’13, ending the game in a 5-2 Andover victory. Despite suffering a dislocated shoulder in the game versus Exeter, Heffner has played extremely well since his return to full-time action. After the Loomis game, the sophomore added, “It was a hard fought victory that came from our effort in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Banging bodies, blocking shots and doing what it takes to get the win. The goals came from good puck movement and strong heads up plays from Seamus (O’Neil ’13) and Luca (Tresham ’13) and the puck found it’s way to the twine. I’m happy that I was able to come back from injury so soon and contribute to the team. It was hard to watch my team battle while I was out so I was anxious to get back at it.” On Monday, the boys took on Thayer in the second game of the week. Lawrence Kemp ’13 started off the scoring with an impressive goal from his knees. Thayer tied the score late in the period, but Joe Kuta ’11 put Andover ahead with less than two minutes left in the period. After a hard fought scoreless second period, the boys picked up right where they left off in the third, scoring four minutes into the period after Heffner ’13 capitalized on a scrum in front of the net. Andover added to their lead when Nawrocki scored a rebound off of a great shot from Kemp. The team went on to win 5-2. After a cancellation of the Deerfield game due to snow, the team looks forward to the matchup with a strong Belmont Hill squad this Friday night at 5:15.
