BOSTON — Marblehead bodies went flying behind goalie Leo Burdge, doing whatever it took to keep Nauset from putting the puck in the net. Marblehead senior defenseman Hogan Sedky, junior forward Kyle Hart and junior forward James Caeran raced to provide more barriers between Burdge and the back of the net.
With under five minutes to play, No. 1 Nauset was fighting to tie the score but took a penalty. Still, the Warriors took it to No. 6 Marblehead, shifting play into the offensive zone and getting a flurry of net-front chances off. None went in.
It was symbolic of the game.
Burdge never let a puck past him and Marblehead held on for the 1-0 win, holding Nauset scoreless for the MIAA Division 3 boys championship. It's Marblehead's first state title since 2011.
The lone goal came with 4:41 to play in the first period. Hart took the puck around the Nauset net and found sophomore Avin Rodovsky open in front. Rodovsky had a wide-open net and finished the chance, sending the Marblehead student section into a frenzy.
Let's dive into some takeaways.
1. It wasn't meant to be for Nauset. Not only was its 19-game win streak snapped, but it was the first time the Warriors were shut out all season. The Warriors hit two posts and two crossbars, including a shot from junior Logan Poulin that dented the crossbar shortly into the third period. For the majority of the game, Nauset controlled the play, as was evident in its 32-14 advantage in shots. Things started poorly for Nauset in the third period, too, when top-line wing Jake Eldredge had to be helped off when his skate blade came out after the opening face-off. It happened a few minutes later, too. It just wasn't Nauset's day.
2. The main reason why it wasn't Nauset's day: Burdge. The Marblehead netminder was phenomenal, stopping all 32 shots he faced. Even though he was allowing some big rebounds early, the junior settled in nicely and didn't give Nauset much. Poulin had numerous chances, but was denied by Burdge every time.
3. Lots of credit to Marblehead's team defense. Nauset controlled the puck more for most of the game and had extensive offensive zone sequences at times. But the Headers successfully kept the opposition away from high-danger areas. A lot of shots reached Burdge from outside and once the netminder settled in, rebounds were hard to come by. Midway through the third period, Marblehead became even more aggressive, pressuring puck-carriers high in the zone. It was an outstanding defensive showing from head coach Mark Marfione's team.
4. Rodovsky had a really good championship game. The sophomore got a breakaway early in the first period, putting Nauset on its heels for the first time on Sunday. Moments later, he finished his chance and scored. Along with some good puck play, he laid a huge hit in the offensive zone early in the third period, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
5. Marblehead started the season 0-6 and was 2-8 on Jan. 7. The Headers proved that a season is never lost in a big way on Sunday.
