After a relatively smooth trip through the first two days of the Manchester tourney, Hanover ran into a Bedford buzzsaw on Monday night at JFK Coliseum. Bedford returns a ton of talent from last season's semi-finalist group, and is picked by many to be the cream of the crop in Division 1 this year. After the first six minutes of the game, the young Marauders had a good lesson in what it means to play big boy hockey.
Bedford dominated the opening frame with precision passing, an amped up pace of play, and a physical nature that was in a different category than anything the Hanover boys had witnessed to date. Bedford controlled possession and offensive chances, and were able to get two past Loud in the first 6 minutes. The period ended with Loud stoning a Bedford player on a short handed breakaway for his 14th save of the period, compared to just two for the Bedford netminder. The period ended 2-0, and the Marauders headed to the room knowing it could have been worse.
The second period started with Hanover on a 90 second power play carried over from the end of period one. The man-up unit didn't generate any great chances, but the advantage at least gave the Marauders a chance to catch their breath and get on the offensive. While not able to match the skating and technical ability of the more experienced Bulldogs, the Hanover team was more than up for the physical challenge. Strong physical play all around the rink, and several teeth rattling hits, many delivered by Baker, delivered the message that Hanover was not planning to go quietly into the night.
A typically strong physical battle in the corner by Will Smith goaded the Bedford defenseman into taking a couple extra whacks at the defenseless Hanover winger, and earning himself a 4 minute vacation in the penalty box for his efforts. Hanover used the 4 minute man-up advantage to generate their first sustained possession and pressure of the game, and the power play units had several good looks to cut the lead in half.
Unfortunately for the Marauders, they didn't cash any of their lottery tickets and midway through the second the scored was still 2-0 and the teams were skating at even strength when Zinman was sent off for a hook. Bedford played tic-tac-toe with a very efficient power play unit of their own and needed only 11 seconds to up their lead to 3-0. Bedford earned another power play to end the period, but this time Hanover was up to the task, and killed the penalty off with the help of a couple of "did you see that?!?!" saves from Loud to keep the deficit at 3.
The third period was more of the same, but little by little the improvement in the Hanover game was bearing fruit. The team kept up the physical play, and adapted to the quicker pace to create some good stretches of back and forth hockey from all three lines. With 2 minutes to play, Coach Dodds elected to pull the goalie in favor of the extra skater, and the Marauders took the opportunity to buzz the net and keep the heat on in search of the back of the net. After a good long stretch in the offensive zone, a turnover at center ice led to a Bedford empty net goal to close out the scoring at 4-0.
Despite the loss, there were several bright spots for the coaching staff to build on as Hanover prepares to enter the grind of Div 1 regular season play after the holiday break. The goaltending continues to be a very bright spot so far, with Loud taking his turn and finishing with 28 saves in a stellar effort. Despite being disadvantaged in height and weight at virtually every position, the Marauders showed a willingness to play a very physical game without the parade to the penalty box that dogged them earlier in the year. And, after reeling in the opening 6 minutes, the Marauders were able to right the ship and showed guts and mental toughness in playing the top dog in Division 1 virtually even for the remainder of the game. Good signs for what is to come in January and February.
But first up, the bronze metal game Tuesday night at 5:30 will be a rematch of the season opener against Memorial. After going undefeated to start the season, the Crusaders lost their first of the year to Concord on Monday to earn their spot in Tuesday's matchup.
Union Leader write-up on Day 3 is here:
http://www.unionleader.com/Bauer-Hockey-Concord-Bedford-reach-final
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