A Strong Start for Winchester in a Challenging Matchup

WOBURN — The first period of Saturday afternoon’s game at O’Brien Ice Rink revealed the effects of an 11-day break since the Winchester boys hockey team last stepped onto the ice. However, what followed demonstrated the team’s potential to be a serious contender in the league title race.

With a stellar performance from junior goalie Graham Emerick, who made 29 saves, and two crucial goals on penalties, the No. 11 Red and Black (4-1) kicked off their Middlesex League Liberty schedule with a strong showing. They edged out their rival, No. 4 Arlington, 2-1.

Junior Max Vozzella scored the game-winner on a penalty shot in the third period, giving Winchester a 2-0 lead before Arlington managed to score. Although the Spy Ponders (3-2) outshot the Red and Black 30-12, the win was emotional and showcased the team’s composure in a playoff-like atmosphere.

“Very emotional (win), it’s a big league rival for us,” said Winchester head coach Gino Khachadourian. “That was our first game coming back. We were sluggish in the first period as you could see, but as I think our game speed got back up, we started playing better. … But that’s a good rivalry win, it’s a big league win for us. Every time we play them, it’s always a battle.”

“We love it,” added Vozzella. “Playing Arlington is the best game of the year, every year. Just to get the win means that much more. Beating a top-five team really helps us out a lot, it’s really good for us.”

A Key Goal at the Right Time

Perhaps there’s no better time to score your first goal of the season than against an intense rival. Vozzella found himself in that position when he generated a turnover in the neutral zone, getting behind the defense for a breakaway before Arlington committed a penalty to disrupt the chance.

Khachadourian had the choice to take a power play or a penalty shot, and he put confidence in Vozzella. The junior rewarded it with a critical goal for a 2-0 lead with 6:40 left.

“It was my first goal this year, I’ve been looking for it,” Vozzella said. “That’s a really big goal to get me going for the year. It’s really good for us.”

“That just boosted us up,” Khachadourian added. “That was a huge goal.”

Emerick Shines in Defensive Effort

Meanwhile, Emerick and the defense were clutch throughout the game, staving off most of the waves Arlington brought on the attack. The shots advantage was 12-2 in the first period and 10-3 in the third, with Emerick remaining steady. His highlight-reel save with 22 seconds left on a grade-A look was a key moment.

Arlington managed to score one past him on a 6-on-4 power play with 6:10 left when Sean Patterson sniped from the left circle. However, Winchester held strong, going 0-for-4 on the Spy Ponders’ other power plays and withstanding 2:09 of 6-on-5 play to close it out.

“(Emerick’s) been a guy we can rely on,” Khachadourian said. “He gives us a chance to win every single night, and that’s what you want from your goalie. … He sees the puck well and he’s so poised in there.”

“He stands on his head every game for us,” Vozzella added. “In my opinion, he’s the best goalie in the entire league. He helps us out. Everyone loves him. It’s just amazing what he does for us.”

Intense Game Full of Energy

The action was fierce throughout the game, which was filled with speed and big hits. The first 19 minutes were scoreless despite five penalties, until Axel Osborn put Winchester ahead on the power play.

Space was difficult to come by otherwise.

“I thought it was an excellent high school hockey game,” said Arlington head coach John Messuri. “… (Emerick) was excellent (for Winchester).”