ROUND 1 DELIVERS TIGHT PLAYOFF HOCKEY IN THE MNHL

Round 1 of the MNHL playoffs officially kicked off with two competitive matchups Saturday night, as the Green Monsters and Blue Bears punched their tickets into round 2.

The opening game saw the Green Monsters defeat the Red Wolves 3-1 in a physical and defensive playoff battle. The Wolves struck first early in the 1st period with Brian Reid opening the scoring just over two minutes into the game. From there, the Monsters settled in and controlled much of the play, outshooting the Wolves 29-14 overall.

Paul Conwell tied the game midway through the the 2nd period before Justin Lachance gave the Monsters their first lead later in the frame off an assist from Krystal Drolet. With the Wolves pushing late for the equalizer, Joe Rodhouse sealed the game with an empty-net goal in the final minute, assisted by Sarah Lord and David Redmond.

The second matchup featured the Blue Bears taking a narrow 3-2 win over the Black Sheep in one of the closest games of the season between the two clubs.

The Bears came out strong early, building a 2-0 lead in the 1st period behind goals from Caragh Beasley and Bobby Dorr. Despite being outshot overall 16-14, the Sheep continued to battle and made things interesting late in the 3rd period.

Brendan Grady cut the deficit to one before Dylan Putnam responded shortly after to restore the Bears’ two-goal lead. Nick Dorazio brought the Sheep back within one again with under seven minutes remaining, but the Bears held on through the final push to secure the victory.

With Round 1 now complete, the playoff picture is officially set as the remaining teams prepare for the next stage of the battle for the Pine State Novice Cup.

Round 2 will feature Purple Reign taking on the Blue Bears at 6:00pm, followed by the Gold Rush facing the Green Monsters at 7:10pm. The remainder of the playoff series will be played at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth.