McIver’s hat trick powers Sandwich by Nantucket
BOURNE >> With a return trip to the Division 4 title game on the line, the Sandwich Blue Knights needed a strong performance from their senior captains. Colin McIver and Mitchell Norkevicius understood that assignment and lifted Sandwich to a 3—0 victory over Nantucket.
The Blue Knights (18— 4—1) head TD Garden to face either Grafton or Norwell in a quest to defend last year’s state championship. Head coach Jordan Mohre credited his team’s versatility as a key to this feat.
“All year long we have had to find different ways to win games,” Mohre said. “Whether it’s high scoring games, low scoring games, physical games or speed games, this group has found a way to get it done.”
McIver led the way with three goals, while Norkevicius turned away 16 Whaler shots, many of which came through traffic in front. McIver’s goals also allowed him to reach the 100-point milestone for his career.
“It’s pretty cool,” McIver said. “I couldn’t have done it without my linemates Jack (Connolly) and Chris (Cardillo). Obviously it’s a great achievement and I’m wicked proud of it but we still have work to do.”
The first tally came off the power play when he fired a shot from near the blue line and it hit the top corner. The next two goals came from crashing the crease and burying a rebound.
“He has been a huge part of our program for four years,” Mohre said. “I’m so proud of him for sticking with it.”
Regardless of the opponent in next Sunday’s finale, it will be a rematch game for the Knights. They fell to Norwell in the first game of the season and squeaked by Grafton a few weeks later. Norkevicius said that if the Knights can continue to play how they have been, they can beat anyone
“We give it our all in every practice and every game,” Norkevicius said. “I like the way we are.”