On Saturday, the boys’ hockey team from Nantucket secured a triumphant 4-1 victory on the road against Martha’s Vineyard. The game nearly resulted in a shutout win for Nantucket, until the Vineyarders managed to score a late goal with less than five minutes left on the clock.
Colby O’Keefe, who has been consistently impressive this season, delivered an outstanding performance with a two-goal game. His first goal came just three minutes into the first period, giving Nantucket an early 1-0 lead. O’Keefe then concluded the scoring for the Whalers with 12:51 remaining in the third period.
Braden Knapp quickly followed up O’Keefe’s opening goal with a goal of his own, propelling Nantucket to a 2-0 lead a mere 4:59 into the opening period. In the second period, Jeremy Jenkinson scored his first goal of the season with 10:15 left to play, with O’Keefe assisting him and giving the senior a remarkably strong three-point game. The Whalers maintained control of the game from start to finish.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, coach Jack Moran commented on their slow start in the first period but noted the turnaround in their rhythm as the game progressed. Despite being penalised seven times, resulting in a total of 17 minutes in the penalty box, the Whalers successfully fended off all power play opportunities for the Vineyarders. Noteworthy was their ability to kill off a five-on-three chance for the Vineyard late in the third period, and O’Keefe even scored a shorthanded goal during a penalty kill.
Goalkeeper Griffin Star put in an outstanding performance, almost securing his first shutout of the season before the Vineyarders managed to convert a rebound opportunity with 4:38 left in the game.
Looking ahead, with a 2-1 season record, Nantucket will strive to maintain their winning streak as they travel to face Barnstable on Wednesday. Barnstable currently boasts a 1-1 record for the year, following a 5-2 victory against Dartmouth and a 5-0 loss to Canton.
The boys’ hockey team from Nantucket continues to demonstrate their prowess and determination in each game they play, and their fans eagerly await their upcoming matches.