The Whaler boys hockey team faced a tough test Wednesday night in a road matchup against the Norwell Clippers, who are now 14-1 and currently ranked second in the Div. 4 MIAA State Tournament Power Ratings, which map out how the state tournament bracket would look if it were to begin today. Nantucket is currently number eight of 36 teams.
The Whalers lost 3-1, but played a strong game and controlled the pace of play for durations of the game. It was, for the most part, an even battle.
The difference in the game was a questionable five minute major penalty called against Nantucket early in the first period. It gave the Clippers an early power play opportunity after the Whalers came out of the gates buzzing.
Norwell did what good teams do, which is take advantage of opportunities such as this one. They scored to make it 1-0, and then drew another penalty which gave them a 5 on 3 opportunity. The Clippers were able to capitalize on it and take a quick 2-0 lead.
It was 2-0 going into the second period, but Nantucket didn’t back down. They played a strong second period and cut the Norwell lead to one with 6:25 to go in the middle period when senior winger Cole Evens streaked down the left side of the ice and ripped a shot over the left shoulder of Norwell’s goalie that went off the bar and in.
The Whalers had all the momentum, but the Clippers sent a dagger into Nantucket’s hearts with 10.7 seconds left in the second period off a shot from the point that curved and gave Norwell a 3-1 lead they wouldn’t give up.
Head coach Scott Corbett said his team continues to get better by the game and was satisfied with his team’s performance. He said this was a good measuring stick for his team that will make them realize they can compete with the best teams in the tournament.
The Whalers are now 6-6-2 will host Bishop Stang on Saturday at 2 p.m.
