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WORCESTER, Mass. — It was a tough night for the Worcester-Leicester boys hockey team Monday night as they fell 4-1 to top seeded Groton-Dunstable.
Despite the one sided score, the game was close well into the third period before things went south for the Wildcats. Worcester-Leicester fell early 1-0 but answered back later in the first on a goal by Junior Defenseman Nick Herlihy assisted by fellow junior forward Jake Rosinsky.
The real reason the game was so close was Senior Goalie Joe McCarthy, who played outstanding in net tallying 31 saves on the night — many of them of the highlight variety.
“He [McCarthy] played out of his mind, for a young man to play like that under pressure in a game like that is unbelievable i mean my hats off to him, I told him that in the line after the game, he played one hell of a game.” said Groton-Dunstable head coach Brian Payne.
Worcester Leicester Coach Mike Vaughn echoed these statements as he was proud of his senior net minder.
“He [McCarthy] has been a rock for us in the net, he really kept us in this one he has done that a lot this year” said Vaughn.
What is more impressive is that McCarthy was playing Goal for the first time since youth hockey, playing his first three years as a center for the team before seamlessly making the switch.
“Going into last season i just knew it was one freshman goalie coming up [sophomore Tim Powell] so i told Joe, dust your gear off we might need you to play goalie,” said Vaughn, adding, “this year he has been one of the best goalies in central mass division 3a and i wouldn’t want anyone else playing net for me.”
Despite the loss, it has been a remarkable year for Vaughn’s Wildcats, who really gelled together to play some strong hockey.
“This is the best team i have ever played for. I have played for a lot of teams - Team USA, Selects - and this is hands down the best team I have played for. We have great chemistry and everyone gets along so well," said Senior Defenseman and Leicester native Casey Callahan.
“I think we’re all just happy we have a high school hockey program, we worked really hard for it and everyone appreciates everything that everyone does around here,” added Callahan.
Worcester-Leicester finishes the season at an impressive 17-4-1 on the season.
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