Groton Takes Down Exeter

 
Groton boys varsity hockey doesn't play Phillips Exeter Academy often, and the two times the teams faced off in the past decade did not land in Groton's win column. 
 
But the tables turned decisively on Wednesday, December 19, when Groton beat Exeter 4–2. 
 
The opponent held a 1–0 lead through the first period, but Groton blasted in three goals during the second period, the first from defenseman Brandon Slawaska '19—a shorthanded goal with one player out on a penalty.  
 
Next Will Torriani '19 scored on a pass from Jonah Gold '19, followed by a goal from Ronan Doherty '21 on a pass from Drew Burke '19. At the end of the second period, Groton was up 3–1. 
 
Midway through the third, Exeter nudged the score to 3–2, but Jonah, assisted by Ronan, scored what would be the fourth and final goal for Groton, and the final goal of the game. Goalie Tristan Mecenas '21 received the game puck for stopping thirty-four of the thirty-six shots on goal.
 
Groton's team splits its play each season between schools in the Independent School League and a variety of non-league opponents. "We've beaten Andover and Deerfield in my time here," said Coach Bill Riley, who has been guiding the Zebras for a decade, "but we hadn't beaten Exeter." Now they have—congrats to the team and Coach Riley!

Watch Groton score.


Click here  to read the Neutral Zone Article about this game.
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