The Norwich Sea Captains needed a patient and persistent effort to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Bay State Bobcats Friday afternoon, December 9 in North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) action at the RoseGarden Ice Arena. Both Angelo Donzella and Jack Kinahan recorded a goal and an assist to lead the offense. Andrew Yocum made twelve saves in the Norwich net to earn his sixth victory of the season.
Kinahan got the Sea Captains on the scoreboard with on 5.3 second remaining in the first period. Donzella jumped on a loose puck after a faceoff win by Brian Essing and made a pass to Tim Hayden at the point. Hayden’s drive to the net rattled around in the Bay State goal crease before Kinahan snapped the puck home. The goal was Kinahan’s team leading tenth of the season.
Bay State evened the score 7:41 in the second when they scored a power play goal. The game remained tied at one goal apiece for the remainder of the second and most of the third period until a strong forecheck sequence led to the game winning goal. Essing forced a Bobcat defender to turn the puck over to Kinahan in the corner where he made a clean cycle to Essing who snapped a quick pass to Donzella in front. Donzella’s shot gave Norwich a 2-1 lead with 4:16 left to play and the goal ultimately stood up as the game-winner. Donzella now shares the team lead in game winning goals with Jacob Begich; both have three.
Donzella commented on his team’s persistent effort that led to a goal late in the first and third periods to help earn the win saying, “Today we did a great job of not letting our foot slip off the gas pedal until the final buzzer. Twice.”
The two teams will meet again on Saturday evening, December 10 in Holyoke, MA. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 5:40 PM at the Fitzpatrick Ice Skating Rink.