STORRS, Conn. -- Phillips Andover took care of business in the quarterfinals and semifinals of the NEPSAC boys Large School Tournament. That continued in Sunday's championship.
The third-seeded Big Blue took down fifth-seeded Westminster, 4-1, to win the Large School title. They previously won the Flood-Marr Tournament over Nobles in December.
After a slow start for both teams, Andover was on a 5-on-3 late in the first period. That was when senior defenseman Zachary Skowronek wired one that snuck through Westminster junior goalie Jack Fichthorn (Darien, Conn.) to make it 1-0.
The Big Blue extended their lead on an early second period power play when senior forward Danny Collins (Winchester, Mass.) ripped a shot in from the top of the face-off dot.
Collins tallied another midway through the third period when he fired one through Fichthorn from the slot, making it 3-0 Andover.
Junior forward Jake Pleau (Hampton Falls, N.H.) gave Westminster some life late after tipping a shot from junior forward Erich Brueckmann to make it 3-1. Still, Andover sophomore forward Nate Kreppner potted an empty-net goal to put it away with 25 seconds left.
This win capped off an incredible run for Andover. Head coach Paul Tortorella's team ousted Trinity-Pawling, 6-0, in the quarterfinals before ousting Avon Old Farms, 7-0, in Saturday's semifinal.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
1. Andover senior netminder Chase Anderson (Marblehead, Mass.) was phenomenal in this one. He set the tone early when Westminster senior forward Quinn Pine ripped a one-timer from the slot and Anderson calmly made the stop. At 6-foot-4, his length was a big issue for Westminster. Early in the third period, Anderson robbed Westminster senior Derek Rhodes by the side of the net. Rhodes got all of it, but so did Anderson's left pad. Anderson's poise and ability to get square to any shot Westminster from finding the back of the net. This win also capped off an incredible tournament for Anderson — one goal allowed in three games. Hard to do better than that.
2. This did end up being somewhat of a goalie duel, Fichthorn was solid for Westminster. The Martlets were under siege in the back half of the first period and the Darien, Conn., native made multiple high-danger stops. He was square to shooters and gave his team a chance to win. It was an outstanding season for Fichthorn, who broke out with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage.
3. What a game from Collins. The former Winchester (Mass.) High School star potted two in the biggest game of his season. The first was a shot-first mentality, while the second was all about him getting to the interior.
4. Another Andover player who had a great game was senior assistant captain Peyton Militello. Playing on the left side of senior Dartmouth commit Grayden Robertson-Palmer and junior forward David O'Neill, Militello was a hassle for Westminster defenders, especially low in the offensive zone. He forced turnovers and used a high compete to get to high-danger areas. He had a number of scoring chances as well.
5. So, what went wrong for Westminster? While the Martlets had a lot of offensive zone time in the third period, three things hindered them from scoring. One was Anderson. Another was Andover defending the interior in its zone well. The Big Blue flooded the strong side and neutralized Westminster forwards from being able to get inside. The third was bad puck luck for Westminster. It felt like the Martlets were getting so close to prime chances, but a puck would hop over a stick or the player the puck was intended for would be a stride late.
6. Pine was Westminster's most effective player. He was a force on the forecheck, using his frame and speed to knock defenders off the puck. His chemistry with sophomore Timmy Donohue (North Haven, Conn.) produced several chances or almost-chances. Pine put a puck just wide of the net on a 2-on-1 late in the second period, too. He was impossible to miss.
