In the middle of chaos, Southwick goalie Andrew Morris holds the post and keeps the puck out of the goal in the Rams’ varsity debut Saturday against the Belchertown Orioles at UMASS-Amherst’s Mullens Center Practice Rink. (Photo by Bill Deren)
AMHERST – Sat., Dec. 8, 2018.
That day will best be remembered as the official birth of the Southwick High School boys ice hockey varsity team.
On Saturday, Southwick rolled out its first-ever varsity squad in a tough matchup against the defending Division 3A runners-up Belchertown in a season opener at UMASS-Amherst’s Mullens Center Practice Rink. The Orioles won 9-2.
Cody Lambert scored a hat trick and had an assist to lead Belchertown.
“I understand the score doesn’t reflect how we actually did,” Southwick boys ice hockey head coach Chris D’Angelo said, “but they played well. I’m very proud of them.”
Southwick held Belchertown to just two goals in the first period, but finally broke through with its first goal of the season 46 seconds into the middle frame. Nate Gendron scored on a pass from Tom Whalley.
Tom Whalley’s cousin, Paul, scored Southwick’s second goal with 6:29 remaining in regulation. Nick Ensign and Gendron set up the play.
“Nerves and puck control – those were the only things that hurt us tonight,” coach D’Angelo said.
Southwick goalie Andrew Morris made 30 saves in his varsity debut, letting in just six shots.
“We’re kind of like the new kids on the block,” coach D’Angelo said. “When (our kids) finally did skate, we skated with them stride for stride. The best way to learn is from our mistakes. …This is just something to build on.”
Southwick will enjoy four days between games. The Rams return to action Wednesday against Greenfield at home. The puck drops at Amelia Park Ice Arena at 7 p.m.
