Spartan hockey loses to number one seed

Oakmont goalie Aaron Testa goes to the ice anticipating a shot during a 4-1 loss to Gardner in a district quarterfinal playoff game held on Monday, March 3.

The Spartan ice hockey team lost to the number one seed, Gardner High, Monday night at the Wallace Civic Center in Fitchburg 4-1.

The Spartans, who entered the Central Boys' Division 3 playoff as the eighth seed, started off a little slow in the first period, but gained momentum as the period continued and matched up well against Gardner for the remainder of the period. Gardner scored the only goal of the first period.

Gardner jumped out to a two-goal lead early in the second period, but the Spartans got right back into the game with a goal by Nick Carter. Carter tipped a shot on net by Brendan Gallagher who received a pass from C.J. Shell. Gardner netted a late goal in the period making it 3-1.

In the third period Gardner applied intense pressure in the Spartans' defensive zone and finished off their scoring with a goal half way through the period.

Oakmont goalie Aaron Testa stopped 40 shots. He blocked many clear-cut scoring opportunities and kept the Spartans in the game all night long.

Oakmont's Shawn Tule goes horizontal after a hit from Gardner's Damian Blodgett during first period action. JOURNAL PHOTOS/JEFFREY W. BOUDREAU

The Spartans finished a successful season with a 16-3-3 record. The team thanked its seniors, Zack Belliveau, Mike Girard, Ian Cornwall and Gallagher for their hard work and commitment to their team and schools, said Coach Tony Gleason.

"All four have been with the program for four years and helped us get it on the winning track," he said. "We would also like to thank the fans for their attendance last night It was without a doubt the largest crowd we have played in front of and appreciate their support."