BC High wins Ferreira Classic, drops Hingham 2-1
Eagles take 6th tourney title in 7 years
Two goals in the opening period and superb play from goaltender Christian Gonsalves helped lead BC High to a 2-1 victory over Hingham in the 2023 Buddy Ferreira Classic Championship.
The Eagles came out flying in the first period and broke through when defenseman Matt Cox crashed the net and fired home a Jackie Murphy rebound. Just a few minutes later, Joe Feinberg parked in the slot and one-timed a pass from Andrew deTuits into the back of the net.
“You always want to be playing your best hockey at this time of the year,” BC High interim coach Brendan Collier said. “I think it gives us the belief as we enter the tournament that we can win a tight-checking, 2—1 game. It’s a big motivation for our team.”
The second period featured back-and-forth action but neither side was able to break through. Gonsalves made numerous sprawling saves and said he knew going into the matchup what Hingham brought.
“I came into this game knowing that they move the puck really well,” Gonsalves said. “I was ready and made sure that I tracked the puck.”
The Harbormen finally cut the lead in half about a minute into the final frame when Travis Rugg fired a pass to Chase McKenna on the point, and the defenseman sent a blistering slap shot that got through.
The goal started a huge press from the Harbormen, but Gonsalves stood strong.
“(Christian) saw the puck very well this whole tournament,” Collier said. “He made a ton of saves and that’s what we need from
him.”
Luke O’Sullivan, who had the secondary assist on the opening goal, was named tournament most valuable player.
The Eagles (10-9-1) now head to the tournament as
likely top Eagles t10 seed.
“It’s fun to be here and fun to win with the boys,” O’Sullivan said. “We have a lot of fast and strong guys on this team, and I think we learned how to use our strengths. We have experience now and are ready to go.”
In the consolation game, Archbishop Williams defeated Bishop Feehan for the third time this season, 3-0. The Bishops had goals from Finn Kelly, Matthew Deminico and Sean Murphy while Phil Coleman earned a shutout.
“We’re coming together at the right time,” Bishops coach Chris Cunningham said. “The last couple of games, the atmosphere and energy has been better. Hopefully we are catching fire for the playoffs.”
The Eagles reached the title game after defeating Falmouth and Duxbury, while the Harbormen entered after defeating Bishop Feehan and Arlington Catholic. This was the sixth time in the last seven years that BC High won the tournament.