Winter Sports

Hockey Notebook: Bedford boys trying to hit their stride

The defending Division I champs are still finding their groove. The Bedford High School boys hockey team has started the year 3-2, and inconsistency has plagued the squad, which have been trying to replace the production of the graduated Griffin Gagne and Chase Vaillancourt. While the Bulldogs opene

The defending Division I champs are still finding their groove.

The Bedford High School boys hockey team has started the year 3-2, and inconsistency has plagued the squad, which have been trying to replace the production of the graduated Griffin Gagne and Chase Vaillancourt.

While the Bulldogs opened the season by dropping two of their first three games, it was a strong run in the Christmas tournament in Manchester that has them back on track.

Bedford swept through the Monarchs Christmas Classic, and it was in those games where they re-discovered their championship form. The Bulldogs followed that up with wins over Londonderry and Salem.

Zack Bayer, who recently notched a hat trick, has emerged as the best scoring threat on the roster. In the cage, Connor Laurendeau, formerly of the junior New Hampshire Avalanche, has been exactly what the Bulldogs have needed as the offense has found itself.

With eight goals in the tournament title game against Hanover, it’s safe to say the Bulldogs have figured things out.

When the season started out with a 4-3 loss to Concord, a team the Bulldogs dominated in the state title game last season, it was easy to see cause for concern. But as Bedford has gotten it going this season, those concerns can be put to rest.

Bobcats on the rise

Out of the blue, Oyster River has become a presence.

The Bobcats offense has been electric, and it hasn’t been just one player. They’ve spread the puck around to create a unit to be reckoned with.

The 3-0 start to the season is thanks to that offensive unit, which has already totaled up 17 goals. In an inconsistent Division II, the Bobcats have emerged as the team to watch.

Samuel Davis, John Kell, Declan Daubney, Eric Donovan, and Max Carpenter are all proving to be dangerous. The season started off down 2-0 to a good Goffstown team, and a four-goal explosion put the Bobcats ahead.

They haven’t looked back again this season.

The Bobcats last played on Jan. 3, but thanks to the weather, won’t play again until Thursday. When you’re hot, you want to stay on the ice, so it will be a challenge to shake off the new rust.

Players of the Week

Eric Langley, Manchester Memorial: After the Crusaders have struggled to open the season, Langley scored three times in a 7-6 victory over Manchester Central/West.
Hunter Burke, Merrimack: Two goals for Burke led the Tomahawks past Portsmouth/Newmarket 2-1 last week for their first win of the year.
Brook Yabroudy/Lindsey Hult, Bishop Guertin: The pair scored hat tricks for the Cardinals in a 9-2 win over Winnacunnet/St. Thomas.