Midway through the first period of the Andover Boys Hockey home opener last Friday night, winger Kevin Kastholm ’17 slid the puck to Post-Graduate (PG) Kyle Lynch ’17, who fired it past Brewster’s goalie. Lynch’s shorthanded goal was one of many successful moments in Andover’s dominant 6-0 victory.
Andover kept its momentum going and toppled Choate 4-2 on Saturday, but the team faltered against Thayer on Wednesday, losing 2-3. After its three games, Andover’s record stands at 2-1.
Against Brewster, defenseman PG Danny McGrath ’17 added a goal to the board on a power play, sending Andover into the second period with a 2-0 lead. McGrath went on to score another goal later in the game.
Co-Captain Jonny Edelson ’17, PG Chris Muther ’17, and Christian Powers ’19 all also contributed a goal to Andover’s shutout.
“Although we’ve only been playing together for two weeks, I feel as if our chemistry is in midseason form,” said Co-Captain Jack Cusack ’18. “We love being around each other and want to spend as much time together as possible.”
PG Goalie Kyle Martin ’17 said, “There is already a bond created throughout our team that has translated out on the ice.”
This team chemistry was crucial to Andover’s defeat of Choate the day after. As the boys did in their first game, Andover came out strong with a fast-paced and aggressive play-style.
Defenseman Mike McGreal ’17 wrote in an email to The Phillipian, “We’ve been producing offensively lately because the boys are hungry for the puck, wherever it is on the ice. Our goal as a team this year is to win as many games as possible. We want to be a playoff team and ultimately bring some hardware back to Andover.”
Kastholm and McGrath both scored during one of four power play attempts, while the penalty kill unit was able to shut down seven Choate power plays.
Sawyer Moody ’19 netted his first career goal for Andover, while Lynch added a fourth goal to seal the victory.
Andover’s momentum fizzled out during its game against Thayer on Wednesday.
Kastholm said, “Thayer was tough to play against, they were quick and shifty with the puck. At times we struggled to contain their key players.”
After falling behind on an early goal, PG Alec Robataille ’17 sent Kastholm in on a breakaway. Kastholm was able to bury the puck and send Andover into the second period with the game tied at 1-1.
Andover surged ahead when Quinn Doyle ’18 threw a pass to Cusack, who roofed the puck to give Andover its first lead of the game.
Thayer came out strong in the third period, scoring 11 seconds into the period to tie the game at 2-2. Thayer then went on to score on a powerplay with five minutes left in the game, ultimately defeating Andover.
Kastholm said, “We just need to focus on playing a full game. Looking forward, we know that our third period, although we may be tired, must be our best period.”
Head Coach Paul Tortorella wrote in an email to The Phillipian, “We have a lot of hockey in front of us. These young men are just trying to do their best one day at time. Those days build on each other. And pretty soon, you have a season to remember. I truly believe this team understands that.”
Andover will face New Hampton this Friday at home.
