Icemen Streak at Five!

Since their 4-2 loss at Shrewsbury, Groton-Dunstable has won five straight, as of Tuesday 1/22, including the 2-1 rematch against previously the undefeated Colonials, January 15.

On Monday night, the Crusaders overwhelmed Auburn 3-0 despite playing a less than spectacular game. "It was an ugly win but a win," said GD coach Phil Rowley.

The streak began against Hudson, a 5-0 shutout with scores by Justin Cole (2 goals, assist), Josh Rabbitt (goal, assist), Chris Lattini (1), Matt Ovenden (10)

and a Jason Robes shutout.

GD defeated 2013 Division 3 State Champions Westfield 3-1 and then stunned Shrewsbury (8-1) handing them their first loss of the season. Against Shrewsbury, Connor McGuire scored the game winning goal and James Tardiff accounted for the tying goal. Josh Rabbitt and Matt Ovenden had the helpers with Jason Robes making 26 saves to record the win.                                                                                                           

Sophomore Ryan Dodge potted the first two goals of his varsity career to lead the visiting Crusaders past Bedford (6-3-1), 4-1. Seniors Derek March and Josh Rabbitt tallied the other Crusader scores while Justin Cole had two assists. Robes made 14 saves in goal.

Auburn is in rebuilding mode and just could not skate with the Crusaders who can get up and down the ice with the best teams in Central Mass. Goals by Connor Maguire (Assist: Derek March), Josh Rabbitt and Mike McDonough (unassisted) earned GD a 2-0 lead after one.

Despite numerous Crusaders' penalties in the second and third periods, the Rockets could not find the back of the net. Auburn had a two man advantage twice in the game but stout defense and goalie Jason Robes kept them off the board through two periods. In the third, coach Rowley subbed freshman keeper Ben McEvoy who got his first ice time this season. McEvoy followed Robes' example, stopping all four shots he saw.

"It was exciting," said McEvoy. "I was nervous until I made the first stop. That calmed me down."

Pat Keating (James Tardiff) scored the Crusaders' third goal in the middle stanza and the first of his varsity career.

The Crusaders continue to get outstanding net minding from Jason Robes who has allowed 11 goals in 10 games!