Rocketeers travel to Cape Cod but it’s no vacation.

On Saturday the Red Rocketeers traveled to Orleans, Ma to participate in the Judith Kostas Memorial Tournament. They played two non-league games against Sandwich and Nauset and suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday against Sandwich but on Sunday the Rocketeers logged their first win of the season over Nauset  giving them four points in their first four games.

When the puck dropped against Sandwich the energy was high and the Rocketeers came out fast but found themselves down early when Sandwich scored just two minutes into the game. North was then called for three consecutive “interference” penalties and a holding penalty. Sandwich scored a power play goal giving them the 1-0 lead late in the period. Sandwich was called for a single boarding penalty but North was unable to capitalize on the power play.  Although North had several scoring chances they were unable to tie it before the period ended. Sandwich led 1-0.

Early in the second period Captain Brian Poillucci beat the Sandwich net minder with a hard wrist shot from the high slot and tied the score 1-1. Paul Yeomans assisted on the play. North however could not find their game. Much like the first period it was rattled with penalties, six in total. North was unable to capitalize on an extended five on three situation and struggled to find their rhythm. Emotions were high. Then in the final minute of the period a defensive clearing attempt resulted in a fluke goal giving Sandwich the 2-1 lead and emotional edge. 

The third period was not much better as the penalties continued to mount for both sides. Sandwich scored twice, one an open net goal giving them the 4-1 victory.

Sunday brought renewed focus and desire. The Rocketeers faced off against Nauset and similar to Saturdays match up it began with a holding penalty and an interference penalty but Norths penalty kill unit held strong and killed both. North also had two power plays they could not capitalize on. Freshman goalie Ryan Warren was sharp in net and made several key saves for the Rocketeers late in the period. The first period ended with no score.

The second period was a rough and physical affair with seven penalties distributed. However, it was North who took advantage of their power play mid-way through the period when Erik Clements worked the puck along the boards deep inside the offensive zone before dropping it for Paul Baker at the point. Paul Baker lit the lamp for North as his snap shot traveled through traffic and found the back of the net. The goal was the first of the game and Bakers second of the season. North led 1-0 at the end of the second period.

Penalties continued to play a role into the third period with four penalties called. Each team had plenty of scoring chances but it was Jason McNeany who buried a nice wrist shot from the slot extending Norths lead to two late in the period. He scored his second of the game in the final minute when Nauset pulled their goalie and Erik Clements dished a saucer pass over to him for the third and final empty net goal. Drew Wissler had a second assist on the play. North had their first victory of the season. Warren had his first high school shut out.  Final score 3-0.
They travel to Noble and Greenough on Wednesday afternoon and take on Dedham at 4pm.