MARLBORO, Mass. — Islanders Hockey Club was the No. 1 seed in the Massachusetts 14U state tournament for a reason. They proved it on Sunday, taking down the Cape Cod Whalers, 4-2.
The Whalers got some early chances, but Islanders Hockey Club struck first when forward Brayden Campanale (Norwell, Mass.) scored on a wraparound just a few minutes into the game.
With 32.6 seconds left in the first period, Islanders forward Mason McGovern (North Andover, Mass.) went in on a breakaway and scored on a five-hole finish, making it 2-0.
That scoring continued early in the second when Campanale dropped a pass to forward Chris Welby (Westwood, Mass.), who ripped a shot into the back of the net, making it 3-0.
The Whalers, however, fought back. Forward Max Colley (Sandwich, Mass.) tallied two in the frame to bring his team to within one entering the third period.
But Matt Heath (Hamilton, Mass.) made it 4-2 midway through the third period, which put the game out of reach.
READ MORE: 6 standouts from 18U championship | 7 standouts from 16U championship | 7 standouts from 15O championship
Islanders Hockey Club punched its ticket to USA Hockey 14U nationals, which is in Plymouth, Mich., from March 24-29.
Let's dive into five standouts. A larger story on 14U standouts will be out later this week.
Brayden Campanale
Islanders Hockey Club, 2011, F, left shot, 5-10/155
Hometown: Norwell, Mass.Â
Campanale was one of his team's most impactful players. He scored his team's first goal with good hustle on a wraparound. On Welby's goal, Campanale had a nice drop pass, drawing the defender to him and leaving it for his teammate at the perfect time.
Max Colley
Cape Cod Whalers, 2011, F, left shot, 5-6/145
Hometown: Sandwich, Mass.Â
Colley was a force for the Whalers and their best player. He tallied both of his team's goals. The first came when he knocked in a rebound off a shot from forward Charlie McLaughlin (Quincy, Mass.). The second came a few minutes later when he got the puck at the face-off dot and sniped one over Islanders goalie Brody Dickinson (Burlington, Mass.).
Mason McGovern
Islanders Hockey Club, 2011, F, right shot, 5-11/170
Hometown: North Andover, Mass.Â
McGovern made his presence felt immediately, getting behind the Whalers' defense and showcasing a nice finish on the breakaway. On Heath's goal, McGovern forced a turnover on the Whalers' breakout and intercepted the pass, leaving it for Heath. McGovern drove play throughout the game, too.
Chris Welby
Islanders Hockey Club, 2011, F, right shot, 6-0/180
Hometown: Westwood, Mass.Â
Welby scored on a heavy shot early in the second period, putting the Islanders in the driver's seat. He ripped it from the slot and scored. He was also effective at finding ways to get to scoring areas in the slot.
READ MORE: What’s the future of New England fall hockey? Coaches weigh in
Bryce Powderly
Cape Cod Whalers, 2011, D, left shot, 5-7/145
Hometown: North Falmouth, Mass.Â
Powderly facilitated offense well from the point on Sunday. He showcased a heavy shot and knew how to find shooting lanes to the net. He skated pucks when he needed to and was assertive.
