WESTFIELD JUNIOR BOMBERS BANTAM A
Westfield Jr. Bombers 9, Holy Name Stars 5
February 23rd, Lossone Arena
Division: Mite 3 Black
The Westfield Jr. Bombers were matched up against the Holy Name Stars at Lossone Arena and came out on top with a 9-5 victory, despite being down two players. The team worked together like a well-oiled machine never losing the lead throughout the game. Goal scorers were Patrick Rae (4), George Kimball (3), Evan Grant (1) and Ian Bacon (1). CJ Watroba was confident defending the Westfield net, blocking several shots throughout the game.
WTM 11, Westfield Jr. Bombers 6
February 24th, Fitzpatrick Arena
Division: Mite 3 Black
On Sunday, February 24th, the Westfield Jr. Bombers Mite 3 Black team played their hearts out against WTM at Fitzpatrick Arena, but to no avail as WTM was victorious with an 11-6 win. Once again down two players, Westfield felt the heat from WTM from the get-go. Despite an excellent team effort, the goals scored by Johnny Blase (2), Patrick Rae (2), Jared Ritter (1) and Ian Bacon (1) were not enough to pull the team to victory. CJ Watroba had his hands full in goal as WTM was persistent throughout the competition.
Amherst 1, Westfield Jr. Bombers 0,
February 23rd, Amelia Park Ice Arena
Division: Squirt 3
These kids can’t catch a break! The Bombers played another hard-fought game, only to come away with a heartbreaking loss. Amherst came out shooting, only to be turned away by Westfield goalkeeper Sean Rowbotham. The Bombers tried to get things going with an offensive charge of their own, led by CJ Jarrell and Harrsion Klein. But Amherst’s goalie was able to shut down Westfield’s continued attacks and the first period ended at 0-0. The second period had each team trading offensive swells and strong defensive stands. The officials called a very tight game against the Bombers, leading at one point to a 5-3 advantage for Amherst. But Westfield was able to kill the penalty with outstanding defense from Nick Langlois, Steven Shaw, Harrison Klein and CJ Jarrell. Brad DiGiacomo and CJ Jarrell kept the pressure on Amherst with solid shots on goal, that unfortunately did not make it to the back of the net. Westfield players have had huge improvements that won’t show up in the box score, such as key passing, good back checking and fighting for the puck along the boards. With the game still scoreless, the third period had more back and forth action from each team, and the game looked like it would end in a tie. But a mad scramble near the side of Westfield’s goal ended with the puck being poked past Rowbotham. With the game clock winding down, the Bombers pulled their goalie for one last attack. It was a crazy last minute as Westfield swarmed around the net and had a few good chances to tie the game, but time ran out and the final buzzer signaled another tough loss for the Bombers.
Westfield Jr Bombers Bantam A Team Wins at Deep Freeze Tournament in Waterville Valley, NH: The Westfield Bantam A Jr. Bombers won four consecutive games to win the Waterville Valley Deep Freeze tournament played February 15-17. Westfield’s speed and physical style powered them through the preliminary games against Lynnfield-Saugus, Walpole and Worcester. The Jr. Bombers then met Lynnfield Saugus in the finals winning a close game by a 3-2 margin.
Goalie Lexi Levere posted a stingy 1.25 goals against average backed by the strong defensive play of Mitchell Weiss, Sullivan Webster and centerman Kyle Jacques. The Jr. Bombers balanced attack placed 12 players on the score sheet. Jagger Turgeon (2-2-4), Zach Gentle (2-2-4), Max Bengston (3-0-3), Josh Adams (2-0-2), Liam Whitman (1-1-2), Zach Jarvis (1-1-2), Ryan Porter (0-2-2), Colin Burns (1-1-2), Shaun Gezotis (2-0-2), Johnny Danahey (1-0-1), Connor D’Onofrio (1-0-1) and Nathan Boucher (1-0-1).
Coach Mario Boucher praised the team’s performance and conduct, both on and off the ice.
“It is important when we travel to tournaments that we properly represent Westfield hockey. This weekend the players stepped up and were rewarded with a championship.”
