Central Mass Hockey Goes for Bay State Bronze

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Monday, July 16, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Goalie Rob Labonte of St. Mark's.

The Central Mass boys hockey team came up just shy of the bronze medal at the Summer Bay State Games, and their inability to finish games cost them a shot at gold as well.

Central surrendered a 3-0 lead to Southeast Sunday night at Marlborough's New England Sports Center, losing 4-3.

"We went up three to nothing and I think our guys thought the game was over," Central coach Al Mucci said. "They got two goals in the first to make it 3-2 after one period, then they tied it up going into the third. By the time we really got back to playing hockey, the momentum had swung to their side."

The loss came just hours after Central defeated Southeast 8-2. Mucci believes the long weekend wore on his team, but was still proud of the development of several of his players. Rob Labonte of St. Mark's played well in net, and Jeff Hamelin of Hudson led the team with 11 goals. Mucci also spoke highly of Worcester Academy star Joe Caico.

"Joe is definitely a rising star for us," Mucci said. "He moves the puck well, has a great head on his shoulders, and makes everyone better."

The fourth-place finish cost Central Mass a second consecutive bronze medal, but a meaningless late-game goal days earlier cost the boys a chance to play for gold as well.

Trailing 3-0 against eventual silver medalist Metro, Central gave up two late third-period goals that would come back to haunt them.

"We finished with a record of 3-2 (in the qualifying round)," Mucci said. "There were three teams tied with 3-2 records and the tie-breaker was goals allowed. We allowed 16 goals and Metro only allowed 15, so those two late goals really hurt us. It's tough, but it teaches the kids a lesson to never stop playing."

Northeast would go on to win this summer's gold medal, defeating Metro 5-4 in a shootout. For Mucci, who is in his 11th year coaching the Central squad in the games, it was a bittersweet weekend.

"You know, you want to get the medal, but what can you do," Mucci said. "I got to work with some great kids, and a bunch of them are young and will play for me again. I feel good about the weekend and the future of the team."