BULLDOGS’ EARLY SURGE NOT ENOUGH VS. NYA

The Berwick Academy boys varsity ice hockey team fell to North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, ME on Friday evening. 

 

After falling victim to slow starts in recent games, the Bulldogs came out roaring in this one. Freshman Ryan Dube took a pass from senior Wes Anderson, controlled the puck past the blue line, and sent a shot by NYA’s goalie, giving Berwick a 1-0 lead. Soon after, post-graduate Asa Forbes helped give the Bulldogs more life. He capitalized on a breakaway, and although his shot was deflected, it set up the perfect opportunity for senior Liam Martin to score. All the while, fellow senior Jared Swisher impressed in net through the first period. Berwick’s defensive front looked strong in the opening frame. Anderson was unafraid to use his body to make a play and ultimately blocked several shots in the contest. 

 

Not content with just two goals, the Bulldogs sought more offensive production in the second period. Junior Ian Kula raced down the ice with the puck, entered Berwick’s offensive zone, and fired a shot. His shot deflected off the opposing goalie and found its way to Dube, who secured his second goal of the game. 

 

Unfortunately, things went downhill from there. Berwick committed too many penalties and surrendered four unanswered goals over the next period-plus, putting them in a 4-3 hole. 

 

A much-needed break on a nullified NYA goal coupled with a late NYA penalty set up opportunities for Berwick, which pulled Swisher from net in order to set up a 6-on-4 attack with roughly 90 seconds remaining. The Bulldogs remained aggressive, but NYA did a good job clearing the puck several times, killing the clock and limiting Berwick’s chances of tying the game. 

 

When all was said and done, the Bulldogs recorded a 4-3 road loss. 

 

Berwick travels to Proctor Academy on Saturday afternoon. Then, they will get another shot against North Yarmouth Academy when the Bulldogs return to Dover for their final home game of the regular season next Wednesday.