New England Prep Hockey: Nobles defeats Dexter, 4-1

In a game that could have large implications on who makes the Elite 8 in March, Nobles used a big second period to defeat the host Dexter by a score of 4-1.

The game started out at a rather slow pace with the two teams trading few shots and both playing a timid brand of hockey. However, as the Dexter student section got into the game the play on the ice began to liven up. 10:25 into the first, Dexter Defenseman Ryan McDougall unleashed a wrist shot on goal that was tipped in by forward Pat Daly who continued his strong start to the season as he notched his 6th point (4 goals, 2 assists) in 4 games.

However, just as Dexter had taken the lead, Nobles' forwards sprang into life as they pressured Dexter heavily and made it difficult for the home team to operate in their own zone. With 5:40 left on the clock in the first period, Nobles Defenseman Billy Sweezey broke up a pass and promptly got it to Danny Jacobs who found the back of the net.

With the start of the second period came a barrage of penalties that would mar the rest of the matchup. A power play goal would give Nobles the lead for good as Billy Carrabino rifled one past Dexter's Liam Moore to make it 2-1. Just 53 seconds later, Nobles broke up a Dexter pass in the neutral zone and Cody Todesco promptly found the top corner to make it 3-1.

The third period started strongly for Dexter, who outshot Nobles 35-22, but another power play goal increased the Nobles lead to 4-1 as Miles Wood scored. Dexter would pile on the pressure in the third period as Ryan Donato hit the post twice and two goals were disallowed. Plenty of opportunities for Dexter to cut the lead late in the game but they all went begging as Brendan Cytulik (34/35 saves) made a string of quality saves.

Dexter is now 1-1-1 and hosts Hebron tomorrow @ 3. Nobles (3-1) will be back in action next week when the Flood Marr Tournament gets underway where they are in a group with Deerfield, Salisbury, and Kimball Union.