For the first time in 10 years and just the second time in more than two decades, the Portsmouth Abbey Boys' Varsity Hockey team defeated their cross-island rival St. George's on Monday night, stunning the Dragrons, 2-1, at the Abbey Hockey Rink in one of the great wins in the program's history.
The Ravens entered the game 2-11 in New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association Division II play, while the Dragons were 8-1-1. Ryan Andrews '09 struck first for the Abbey, scoring a 4-on-4 goal from Frank Holbrook '08 just 2:13 into the game. St. George's dominated most of the play from then on, with All-New England candidate Jeff Ryan breaking through and tying the score 2:10 into period 3. The Ravens held on and struck for the game winner with only 1:55 left in the game, with Ryan Andrews again talllying on a Holbrook helper. Brendan Hammatt '09 was the story for Portsmouth Abbey, stopping 45 of 46 shots, most of which were from close range. The Ravens, now 3-12 overall and 3-11 in DII play, hope to build some momentum over the last two weeks of the season, facing off against Middlesex at home on Wednesday (Feb. 13).
"I am so proud of our team, especially our eight Sixth Formers," said Coach Derek Gittus after the win. "They suffered a heart-breaking overtime loss to St. George's last year and they played with tremendous poise and purpose tonight. Many of players played their best games of the season, including Sixth-Form defensemen Jonathan Jaxtimer, Frank Holbrook, and Mike Behan. They constantly cleared out the front of the net for goalie Brendan Hammatt. Ryan Andrews picked a great time to contribute his first multi-goal game of the season. Bryan Abraham '08, James Libutti '08, and Pierce King '08 were tremendous defensively, as well, from their forward spots. They helped kill every Dragon power play opportunity in the game."
Coach Gittus gladly paid up this morning on a bet he lost to his team following the upset victory. View photos here.
Congratulations to the Boys' Hockey Team! GO RAVENS!
Scoring
SG: 0 0 1 = 1
PA: 1 0 1 = 2
Shots
SG: 8 16 22 = 46
PA: 5 2 2 = 9
Penalties
SG: 4 4 0 = 8 for 24 minutes (6 minors and 2 misconducts)
PA: 4 5 2 = 11 for 16.5 (all minors)
Scoring
1st: PA: Ryan Andrews (Frank Holbrook) 2:13
3rd: SG: Jeff Ryan (unassisted) 2:10
3rd: PA: Andrews (Holbrook) 13:05
Goalies
SG: O'Brien - 7 saves/9 shots
PA: Hammatt - 45 saves/46 shots