Spartans' Ice Hockey wins first playoff game since 1993

The Spartan Ice Hockey Team won its first playoff game since 1993, with a 5-1 win against Grafton High School on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Cushing Academy.

The Spartans' challenge was to beat the tough Grafton team after beating them twice in regular season play, each time with only a single goal.

The first period started off with Grafton applying significant pressure in the Spartan defensive zone. Shortly after the start of the period, the Spartans turned up the heat and attacked the Grafton net scoring four unanswered goals.

C.J. Shell got things started with a move on the net and sliding the puck behind the Grafton goaltender. Nick Carter made a great pass to set up Shell. Stephen Amblo scored the next goal with a one-timer on an excellent feed from Ian Cornwall. Liam Rafferty found the back of the net next on a nifty pass from Shawn Tule. Rafferty whistled a wrist shot in the net, and Shell banged home the last goal of the period on a nice pass from Rafferty.

The second period was a defensive affair with Grafton getting its only goal of the game. Aaron Testa as the Spartans' goaltender came through with some huge saves in the period.

The third period was another defensive affair with Grafton providing a bit more pressure in the Spartans' defensive zone. Late in the period, the Spartans' Shane Harrington scored a goal when he made a billiard shot from behind the net that bounced off the goalie and into the net.

Fans got to see the Spartans play a great and complete hockey game from start to finish that included some outstanding passing.

By winning the game the Spartans earned an opportunity to play the number one seed in Central Massachusetts and local rival, Gardner High School. The game is Monday night at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg at 5:30 p.m.