The Nauset boys hockey team has been a main focus all season.
After a great regular season with only one loss, the Warriors entered the playoffs as the top seed and the favorites to win the Div. 3 state championship. They now have a chance to do exactly that after winning 6-0 against No. 12 Somerset-Berkley in the semifinals.
“They set a goal at the beginning of the year,” said Warriors head coach Connor Brickley. “It's good to see that goal become a reality. They have worked really hard every day and it's gratifying when we play and coach together.”
The Warriors started strong. Their intense offensive pressure paid off when Aaron Howard deflected a shot from Joseph McManus into the net, giving Nauset a lead they would maintain.
Logan Poulin scored the second goal shortly after, and Jake Eldredge scored off a Poulin shot before the period ended, giving the Warriors a significant 3-0 lead.
“We just go in with the mindset that rankings and numbers don't matter,” Poulin said. “We have a tough attitude towards the other team.”
Nauset quickly extended their lead. Poulin fired a shot from the top of the circle to make it 4-0, and a Colin Ward one-timer from an Eldredge pass across the crease put the Warriors well ahead going into the final period.
Julian Krivos scored in the final period to complete the scoring.
“These boys have been working hard all season,” Krivos said. “All of us have been putting in that effort, putting in that time. Every single one of these kids deserves to make that trip right now.”
The Warriors will compete against No. 6 Marblehead in the championship game. This is the first time Nauset has made it to the final since 2004, and Poulin emphasized that the team is not content yet.
“It's something we haven't achieved in a long time,” Poulin said. “We are really pleased with this, but the work isn't done yet.”
