High school hockey: 'Buzzing' Manchester boys beat city rival Trinity, 3-0
Jan. 10—DIV. I HOCKEY
Well-rested Manchester blanks Trinity, 3-0 —B3
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MANCHESTER — Jeremy Baker's worries about a long layoff turned out to be for nothing.
In the Manchester co-op boys hockey team's first game in nearly two weeks, it put together a consistent effort, Baker said, en route to a 3-0 NHIAA Division I triumph over Queen City rival Trinity at JFK Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Kings (3-1), in their first game since defeating Trinity, 4-1, to win the consolation bracket of the Brian C. Stone Memorial Christmas Hockey Tournament on Dec. 29, scored once in each period and received a 12-save shutout from sophomore goaltender Cam Velez.
The Pioneers (1-5) entered Wednesday coming off a notable win over defending Division I champion Bishop Guertin (4-2) last Saturday.
"I thought they were flying around," Trinity coach Mike Connell said of the Kings. "I thought they were everywhere. They were quick to the puck. They were winning all the one-on-one battles in the corners. Neutral zone, they were moving the puck really well through there.
"They were buzzing."
Manchester forward Ryan Marden scored twice.
Marden's first goal came after he won a loose-puck battle with Trinity defenseman Colton Laroe in the neutral zone. The junior then went forehand to backhand on Pioneers goaltender Braedon Lubelcyzk to open the game's scoring with 4:33 left in the first period.
"Most guys wouldn't have put themselves in that position because they would have stopped skating," Baker said. "He's different. He's a difference-maker. I love the kid. He's a quiet leader on this team."
Freshman Cade Tripp doubled Manchester's lead 2:17 into the second period with his goal from the doorstep after an off-the-wall assist from Tyler Cantin.
Marden notched his second goal 2:01 into the third period after a behind-the-net feed from Jake Lessard.
Marden, Lessard and Andrue McLaughlin skate on a line together both with the Kings and during their fall season with the Manchester Flames.
"We cycle well," Marden said. "My linemates pass it to me nicely. More goals coming."
Baker said that line and the line of Tripp, Owen Flynn and Cam Provencher played well for a Manchester team that outshot the Pioneers, 40-12.
Trinity mustered just one shot on goal in the middle frame despite having three power-play opportunities, including a 5-on-3 advantage.
"I don't think we ever even tried to really get any offense going," Connell said. "It just didn't seem like we were there today, for whatever reason."
Lubelcyzk replaced starter Brendan Heppler in goal for the final 7:49 of the opening frame. Heppler had an equipment issue with his chin strap and returned to the net for good in the second period after swapping helmets.
Heppler and Lubelcyzk combined for 37 saves.
Baker said he talks to his players constantly about compete level and thinks they benefited from watching the Saint Anselm College men's hockey team defeat Anna Maria, 4-1, at JFK last Saturday.
Manchester was scheduled to host Exeter that day but the game was postponed due to weather.
Baker said his players were surprised by the Hawks' short shifts.
"They (the Hawks) have a job to do, they do it for 30-40 seconds, they get the (heck) off because they're moving," Baker said. "It was good for them to see that."
