2022 AHC WINTER CLASSIC KICKS OFF

2022 AHC WINTER CLASSIC KICKS OFF - A THRILLER IN THE SQUIRT A FINAL

Play kicked off this weekend in the AHC Winter Classic with pool play in the Squirt A and Bantam AA divisions and we already have a candidate for game of the tournament.

After each winning their first two games of pool play in the Squirt A bracket, the Winchester Squirt 4 and Arlington Squirt 3 teams played to a 3-3 tie on Sunday morning setting up the final between the teams later that evening.

In the final, both teams maintained their steady defensive play with Winchester taking a 1-0 lead in the second period only to have Arlington match the score on a goal by Noah Popescu at the end of the 2nd. After a scoreless third, play went to a 5-minute overtime at 4-on-4 where both goalies made several amazing stops on high quality chances as the excitement in the stands grew with each shot and each save. The game remained tied at the end of overtime and moved to a shootout to determine the Champion.

Leading off the shootout, Winchester took a quick 1-0 lead again to be matched by Arlington’s first shooter, “Magic” Matthew Li, who roofed a goal in the top left corner.  In the second round, Winchester’s shot sailed high and wide right while Winchester’s goalie made a great save on Noah “Nerves of Steel” Popescu. In the third round, Arlington’s goalie, Ethan “The Wall” Rothemeyer, absolutely stoned the Winchester shooter with a pad save setting up the final Arlington shooter.  Coach Dave Abbott tapped Ian “Iceman” Dodge as his third shooter. With the game on his stick, Ian calmly skated into the zone before an outrageous deke, sliding the game winner just past the Winchester goalie’s left pad sending his team to the championship and the Arlington fans in attendance into a frenzy.

Play continues this week (and we are hoping that we can match the excitement) with the balance of the Bantam AA play on Monday and Tuesday, Bantam AAA play on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Pee Wee A play beginning with games on the morning of Christmas Eve.

Please come down and support the Arlington teams as they continue play in the event.

The event schedule is available on the Arlington Hockey Club website at www.arlingtonice.com.