Westfield’s Nick Sibilia scores the team’s fourth goal in the opening minutes of the third period Saturday against Minnechaug. (Photo by Chris Putz)
Nick Sibilia celebrates the team’s fifth goal, his third, late in the third period. (Photo by Chris Putz)
WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School hockey team is wrapping up a nearly perfect holiday gift for family, friends, and Bombers’ fans.
Westfield won its third straight game Saturday, shutting out Minnechaug 5-0 at Amelia Ice Arena. The victory boosts the Bombers to 3-1 with one game remaining before the Christmas break.
Westfield junior center Nick Sibilia has now scored a hat trick in each of the last three games.
“We’re coming together, not being selfish, and playing as a team,” said Westfield coach C.B. “Moose” Matthews, whose Bombers opened the season with a dud against Longmeadow. “They finally understand the team concept.”
It was a team effort that produced Westfield’s first three goals in the second period – one each from Sean Spohr, Sibilia, and Conner Laraway. Sibilia tallied a goal in the opening minutes of the third period, and added another late in the game.
Sam Evans, Anthony Cagliostro, Ethan Nassar, Kyle Levere, Sibilia, and Laraway all had one assist apiece too.
Westfield also had one of its finest defensive efforts of the season, and were bolstered by the effort of sophomore goalie Matt Blascak, who collected 15 saves and produced a shutout in net.
“We’re playing a lot better hockey (now),” coach Matthews said. “I thought we controlled the pace of the game. We’re playing good defense. There were a lot of positive notes tonight that we’ve been looking for for the last three games.”
Westfield will next host West Springfield on Friday night at Amelia Park.
