MARLBORO, Mass. — The Boston Junior Eagles held off the Cape Cod Whalers for a 3-2 win in the 18U Tier 1 2022 National Bound State Championship.
The No. 2 seed Junior Eagles struck first with a goal when Jack Harney (Needham, Mass.) wired one past Whalers goalie Beau Lane (Pembroke, Mass.) midway through the opening frame.
In the second period, the Whalers responded when Ryan Teehan (North Easton, Mass.) slid one in to tie it, 1-1. The Eagles capitalized on a two-on-one later in the frame when Brock Cummings scored to make it 2-1. Once again, the Whalers battled back to tie the score when Ben Buckley (Warwick, R.I.) blasted a one-timer into the back of the net.
With 8:14 left in the game, the Junior Eagles got the eventual game-winner.
The Whalers entered as a No. 8 seed, having previously beaten the No. 9 seed Islanders Hockey Club, the No. 1 seed Central Mass Penguins and the No. 4 seed Valley Jr. Warriors.
Here are the standout players from the championship. Multiple NHL Scouts were in attendance.
Paul Dalessio
Junior Eagles, 4/4/2005, G, left, 5-9/165
Hometown: Burlington, Mass.
In the first 11 minutes of the game, Dalessio made two outstanding saves. The first came roughly five minutes into the game when he made a stop on a tip from the slot that was destined for the back of the net. The second, which was his best, came off a point-blank chance from the Whalers. An entire side of the net was open, but Dalessio stuck his glove out and made an unbelievable save that drew oohs and aahs from the crowd. Those two stops proved to be crucial given the final score.
Jake McManus
Junior Eagles, 1/3/2005, FWD, left, 5-8/160
Hometown: Winthrop, Mass.
McManus was far from the biggest guy on the ice, but he more than made up for it with his shiftiness, hockey IQ and hands. His assist on Harney’s goal was his most impressive play in the game. McManus entered the offensive zone with poise and passed the puck back to Harney at the point. His ability to carry the puck and impact the game with his speed was on full display Sunday.
Cullen Emery
Junior Eagles, 8/2/2005, FWD, right, 5-10/185
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
For the rest of his life, Emery can say he scored the (eventual) game-winning goal to win a state championship. And it was a beauty, too. Off a give-and-go with Brian Hall (Sudbury, Mass.), Emery drove the far post and deposited the pass for the eventual winner in the third period. Emery also put together a good game outside of the goal, playing with confidence and using his good hands. The Dexter Southfield coaching staff has high hopes for Emery this winter.
Sean KeohaneÂ
Whalers, 11/4/2004, D, left, 6-4/194
Hometown: Milton, Mass.
NCAA commit: Harvard
Speaking of Dexter Southfield players with high expectations this year, Keohane was great in the final. I noticed him a lot more in the third period as the urgency of the game increased. He got shots through from the point late in the game (although some missed the net). For the most part, he broke the puck out of his own zone well and joined the rush quite a bit. One thing to watch this year will be how many roles Dexter has him in. He killed penalties, ran the top of the power play and ate a ton of 5-on-5 minutes for the Whalers. That will continue with Dexter.
Brian Grant
Whalers, 3/18/2004, D, right, 6-1/180
Hometown: Mansfield, Mass.
The Whalers have a really good defensive group and Grant stood out Sunday. His speed helped him at both ends of the ice. He carried the puck out of his own end multiple times. In his own end, he was able to negate scoring chances from the Junior Eagles.
