MARLBORO, Mass. — The Neponset Valley River Rats set the tone less than 30 seconds into Sunday's state final when forward Stevie Rousell (Norwood, Mass.) tipped a point shot from Matthew Piotrowski into the net for the game's opening goal.
It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done.
That was the story for the River Rats on Sunday, as they upset the No. 1 seed Boston Jr. Eagles, 3-1, to win the Massachusetts state title.
After a first period that featured a ton of zone time for the Jr. Eagles and brilliant net-front defense and goaltending by the eventual state champs, River Rats forward Michael Federico (Hanover, Mass.) scored on a terrific play by Alexandre Theodore to get him the puck (more on that later).
The Eagles responded later in the frame when forward Nick McManus drove the net and had a puck go off him and into the net. It was the only goal the Eagles scored all afternoon.
In the final 17 minutes, the Eagles never stopped pressing. But their chance of tying the game was made near impossible when River Rats forward Chase Field (Centerville, Mass.) finished off a rush chance by roofing a goal over Jr. Eagles goalie Tommy Saulnier (Medfield, Mass.).
The Jr. Eagles held the advantage in skill in Sunday's championship, and it showed, as they outshot the River Rats and had more offensive zone time.
But the grit showed by the River Rats was one of the more impressive feats I've seen in fall hockey this year. Players were constantly diving around to break up plays and block shots. They played smart hockey, anticipating what the Jr. Eagles might do in all three zones.
Just like the first goal of the game, it wasn't pretty, but it doesn't really matter — the 15O Neponset Valley River Rats are state champions.
Let's dive into the standouts.
David Bosco
Boston Jr. Eagles, 2/8/2008, F, right shot, 5-10/150
Hometown: Winchester, Mass.Â
It wasn't the Jr. Eagles' day when it came to scoring, but Bosco did his best. He was constantly driving play and gaining the offensive blue line for his team. He played with even more compete in the third period, doing whatever it took to win loose pucks. He showed off his good hands in tight, getting around River Rats defenders to better ice.
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Vincenzo D'Urso
Neponset Valley River Rats, 3/7/2008, G, catches left, 5-9/175
Hometown: Andover, Mass.Â
There were points throughout Sunday's game that D'Urso was under siege. But, to the River Rats' credit, there weren't a ton of high-danger looks from the Jr. Eagles. D'Urso was brilliant at stopping shots from all angles and gobbling up rebounds. His quick reactions and re-positioning to new angles was impressive. D'Urso will play for Andover High this winter.
Michael Federico
Neponset Valley River Rats, 7/1/2008, F, left shot, 5-9/170
Hometown: Hanover, Mass.Â
Federico is known for having a nose for the net. His goal was clutch, as he batted in Theodore's saucer pass. He was constantly involved in the offense and made plays happen.
Chase Field
Neponset Valley River Rats, 3/1/2008, F, left shot, 5-8/130
Hometown: Centerville, Mass.Â
Field is only listed at 130 pounds, but, man, is he hard to knock off the puck. That was evident when he scored towards the end of the third period, holding onto the puck and getting past the Jr. Eagles defense. He showed a nice finish on the play, too. His chemistry with Cam MacPherson (Hopkinton, Mass.) was impressive to watch throughout the game. So, too, was the duo's work on the penalty kill. It's been a strong fall for Field, who will play for Barnstable High this winter.
Stevie Rousell
Neponset Valley River Rats, 3/25/2008, F, right shot, 5-9/157
Hometown: Norwood, Mass.Â
Rousell played with a lot of pace on Sunday, which is the norm for the Rivers product. He's a great skater who has quick hands and an even quicker release on his shots. Along with his game-opening goal, he notched a secondary assist on Federico's tally. He has the tools for a big winter at Rivers.
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Kristofer Soja
Neponset Valley River Rats, 3/11/2008, D, left shot, 5-9/173
Hometown: Ludlow, Mass.Â
This was my best viewing of Soja this fall. The Nobles student played with confidence with and without the puck on his stick. He made smart passes and did well getting the puck out of danger. He also had poise on breakouts. He covered the front of his own net well and regularly was in the right spot when it came to defensive assignments.
Alexandre Theodore
Neponset Valley River Rats, 5/21/2008, F, left shot, 6-0/164
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.Â
Aside from D'Urso, Theodore may have been the most important player on the ice for the River Rats. He feathered a beautiful saucer pass to Federico for the River Rats' second goal, sending it perfectly over the Jr. Eagles defender's stick. But his biggest impact came in his own end. He hustled hard on backchecks, breaking up multiple plays. None were more important than when he stopped an almost-sure goal for the Jr. Eagles that would've tied the game midway through the third period. He blazed back to get under the forward on a 2-on-1 and end the scoring chance, preserving the lead.
