Danvers Peewee A Falcons skate to the finals in Plymouth

The Falcons were finalists in the championship game at the Plymouth tournament over the Thanksgiving weekend. After taking down South Boston and host Plymouth, the Falcons lost in the finals to Biddeford Maine in a close contest. The Falcons played tremendous two way hockey against some stiff competition and did so without their full squad of skaters.

The Falcons dropped the opening game to a formidable Biddeford team that came out on fire. Although they suffered the loss, there were some bright spots to note. The first line of Will Walfield, Kyle Larson and Chris Kontos continued to put on a passing clinic, each time setting one another up for scoring opportunities. Solid fore checking by Derek Witwicki, Tom Conway and Kevin St. Pierre helped disrupt the Biddeford offense. Taylor Brown came out on top with some fine defensive plays once sweeping the puck out of the crease to frustrate the opposition. Zach Ryan played superb defense killing off a short handed penalty and earned an assist on a slap shot from the point that was deflected up and in by DJ Yost for the team’s lone score. Mike Allain made a great stick save on a breakaway to prevent a score. The Falcons wanted another shot at Biddeford and knew they had to continue winning to get that shot.

In the second game the Falcons totally dominated South Boston. After giving up an early goal, the Falcons ripped off 37 shots on net scoring 10 unanswered goals. Witwicki got top honors with a hat trick. Luke Sutherland and Walfield each netted two goals while Brown, Yost and St. Pierre each got one goal. Nine players earned assists including three apiece from Joe Szela and Larson. Pat McBride and Jason Carucci also earned assists. The Falcons were banging South Boston at every opportunity. Tom Conway was a virtual one man wrecking crew breaking up the opposition. St. Pierre and Larson combined on one play to sandwich a skater and take the puck away. Ryan was noted for his fine defensive play making it difficult to get to Mike Allain who was tremendous in net knocking down 14 shots to earn the victory 10 -1.

In a must win game the Falcons shut out the Plymouth Pilgrims 6 to 0. This was a grudge match that pitted two ex BC teammates in opposing benches coaching their respective teams. Word had it that the Plymouth coach knocked off 18 of the 30 pack to earn the Bud light bowl victory the previous evening, so clearly there was a lot at stake. The Falcons set the tone early and never let up. Walfield led off the scoring off a fine centering pass from Larson set up by Conway. Allain was once again spectacular in net saving 14 shots on net including some highlight reel saves to earn the shutout. The Falcon pressure was tremendous all game long blasting 44 shots on net. Kontos scored the team’s second goal poking home a loose puck placed in the crease by line mates Larson and Walfield. These three would also factor into the third goal scored by Larson. The team defensive play was tremendous with some outstanding efforts by Conway, Brown, St Pierre and Ryan. Ryan put the Falcons on the board again on a slap shot from the point that weaved in between skates to find the back of the net. McBride, Szela and Witwicki were noted for their play in the final period managing to keep the puck in the zone for their entire shift before Witwicki slid the puck under the goalies pads for a score. The Falcons continued their physical play taking every opportunity to check Plymouth skaters off the puck. Mc Bride got the final score of the evening knocking home a rebound shot from Szela so that the team could advance to the championship game.

On the eve of the final game the coaches were up late dreaming up some line changes to account for the loss of teammate DJ Yost who sat out due to injury. The talented and ever versatile Luke Sutherland was called on again to shift his position from defense to wing, to center to defense; fortunately he draws the line at goalie. Taylor Brown also shifted from her stalwart defense position to wing and played the position flawlessly. The Falcons skated stride for stride with their opponent for a scoreless first period. Biddeford was in shock and tried everything to put the puck past Allain but was denied repeatedly. The defensive play of St. Pierre, Sutherland and Conway was tremendous; this street cleaning trio cleared any loose puck out and away and also managed to blast off shots from their blue line when provided the opportunity. Jason Carucci was a force at center and was dangerous with the puck once clanging a shot off the cross bar for a near goal. Carucci got the team’s lone score in the final period off a wrist shot assisted by Brown. Despite the loss the team did not quit and will await yet another opportunity to play Biddeford. Following the game the team collected their finalist trophy and packed for home.