Bedford boys hockey beats Nashua North-Souhegan for third straight win

GOFFSTOWN - If the Bedford High School boys hockey team started the season out slow, the Bulldogs figured things out by now.

The defending Division I champs have won three in a row on the regulation schedule following a tough start to the season, and another impressive 6-2 showing Saturday against Nashua North-Souhegan has them back on track.

“The kids are playing better together,” said coach Matt Myers. “We’re starting to move the puck pretty well. More importantly, in the defensive zone, the kids are playing more team defense rather than relying on the two kids playing defense.”

The Bulldogs (4-2) had lost two straight games heading into the Christmas tournament, but haven’t lost since. A lot of that has to do with the offense turning it on, scoring four, five, and six goals in consecutive games.

Senior captain Kyle Greer opened the scoring for the Bulldogs before a tally from Jack Sylvain a few moments later, giving Bedford a 2-0 lead before the Titans (0-7) could respond. From there, it became total domination for the Bulldogs.

Junior Jake Sanclemente added another tally with two minutes left in the first for a 3-0 Bulldogs lead. To start of the second, Sanclemente tallied again to extend the lead.

Sophomore Cam Wasylak notched a goal of his own toward the end of the second, but that didn’t end the Bulldogs barrage. Junior Parker Roberto took a short-handed pass from Sylvain to take a 6-0 lead at the end of the second frame.

The two goals for Sanclemente were his first this season, showing how well Bedford has started to move the puck. Senior captain Zach Bayers, who had hat tricks in back-to-back games, didn’t find the net, but the entire team worked as one offensive unit.

"He's (Sanclemente) got a bunch of assists, but hadn't scored yet this season," said Myers. "He's been all around the net, hit some posts and crossbars, he's gotten opportunities. It's good to see him get some goals."

The Titans scored two late goals in the third period, but it was far too late, with the Bulldogs in full control.

Freshman Ben Bernard started in net and made 12 saves, while fellow freshman Shea Guimont made eight playing the second half of the game.

The Bulldogs will play a makeup game Sunday morning against Hanover, and won’t have much time to celebrate the win before getting right back to work.

“There’s some things we’re going to get back to,” said Myers. “We have to work on some of our odd-man situations. When we have a 2-on-1 or 3-on-2, we have to do a better job at using our help. We have to support the puck carrier.”