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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
After a tough 3-1 loss to Holliston on January 11, followed by a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Auburn-Millbury on January 14, the Dover-Sherborn High School boys varsity hockey team returned to the ice last Wednesday night at Chase Arena to play host to TVL rival Westwood.
After falling behind early in the first period, The Raiders (4-6, 2-5), were able to knot the score at one thanks to junior forward Nick Marken, who banged home the rebound of a Johnny Schroeder shot from the point, and the game entered the first intermission tied.
Despite a flurry of chances for both sides in period two, neither the Wolverines (8-1-1, 3-1-1) or Raiders were able to find the go-ahead tally, as Westwood goaltender Justin Anderson (16 saves) and DS goaltender Owen Webb (19 saves) each did their part in preserving the tied score at the end of two periods of play.
Westwood was able to find the go-ahead goal with 11:40 to play in the third period, but Nick Marken once again stepped up and delivered a tying goal for the Raiders, firing a missile past the blocker of Anderson to knot the game at two with just under eight minutes to play.
The Wolverines were quick to respond, however, netting two goals in a span of four minutes and 14 seconds to reclaim the lead at 4-2. The Raiders pulled the goaltender with just under two minutes to play in a desperate search for a pair of goals to tie the game. Westwood added an empty net goal with 45 seconds to play after a set of glorious scoring chances for the Raiders were denied by Anderson, and the Wolverines hung on for the 5-2 victory.
At the time of print, the Raiders will look to right the ship when they take on Norton on January 25 before traveling to face non-conference opponent Northbridge on January 28.
