by Bennett Dickerson ’23
February 15, 2022
In a win-or-go-home Hine Cup playoff game at Centennial Sportsplex against Hendersonville-Merrol Hyde-Beech, USN-BA-FRA Hockey came out on top 3-1. USN was coming off a tough loss on Thursday against Father Ryan in the first round of the Hine Cup.
USN started the game quickly with Benton Laird ’23 hitting the post just two minutes after puck drop.
Throughout the first period, USN was largely dominant with goalie Jordin Palmeri ’23 only being tested a couple times; one being his stick save on a driving Hendersonville forward with 7:20 remaining in the first.
The first power play of the night came with 6 minutes remaining in the first period after USN was called for tripping. While playing with a one-man advantage, USN took the lead after Edward Crane ’23 got himself into a good position to the goalie’s side and put home a deflected shot.
USN defenseman Nick Venable ‘24 was all over the ice throughout the night and made a crucial breakup in the crease in the final 45 seconds of the period. Captain Brennan Richardson from FRA also played a great defensive game.
Just 30 seconds into the second period, Brentwood Academy 8th grader Hoyt Sorenson drew a penalty shot after being taken down on his way to the net. He converted the shot on the goalie’s blocker side and gave USN a 2-0 lead.
Sorenson’s play style resembled that of NBA star Kyrie Irving. His quick side to side movements and great control of the puck compares well to Irving’s incredible ball control.
Following USN’s second goal, it felt as though USN was on the power play despite the teams being at even strength. USN was peppering Hendersonville goalie Ryken Salamy. The game became more physical throughout the period and Hendersonville began to generate more chances.
Following a delayed penalty in which Palmeri was narrowly able to get off the ice to get another man on, he was largely untroubled for much of the period until Henedersonville brought the game within 1, scoring their first goal on a power play with 3:01 remaining in the second.
Especially on power plays, Palmeri knows that teams such as Hendersonville like to take shots from the point.
“I know they are trying to get it to the point to get a shot through,” Palmeri said. “I tell my teammates to make sure they are not screening me in any way.”
He continued to describe how he defends power plays.
“I play with less aggressive angles because I know there’s a back door option to pass to,” he said. “I can’t be too far out of my crease so I can get across quickly.”
On Hendersonville’s other three power plays, Palmeri made multiple stops and the defense cleared the zone well.
With just under 5 minutes remaining in the second period, BA’s Mitch Proffitt played some strong defense on Hendersonville’s Connor Smith and prevented a high-quality shot on Palmeri.
To finish out the period, Palmeri made a big glove save, preserving USN’s one-goal lead despite Hendersonville gaining control in the final minutes of the period.
Following the largely uneventful penalty kill toward the beginning of the third period, Laird gave USN a 3-1 lead with 6:40 remaining in the period after a nice wrist shot from the goalie’s right side. Very fitting for Valentines Day, Laird blew kisses to the loud and sizable USN crowd.
Laird’s game feels similar to that of the Nashville Predators’ Filip Forsberg. He has great hands and, as was on display in Monday’s game, a great shot.
With 2:25 remaining in the game, USN’s Reid Murray ‘22 made an important shot breakup in front of the net and made his presence felt physically.
Hendersonville then used their timeout with 2:25 remaining in the game. They began the ensuing faceoff with their goalie on the bench and an extra attacker on. USN held up well and got multiple attempts on Hendersonville’s empty net.
Palmeri was peppered in the final minute of the game, but with Crane being physical defensively, and the team as a whole defending well, they held on for the 3-1 win.
USN is now set to face Nolensville-Ensworth-Lipscomb on Wednesday at Ford Ice Center – Bellevue in the second round of the Hine Cup’s losers’ bracket. Although they lost in their first game of the playoffs, they still have a chance to take home the Cup, due to the tournament’s double elimination format.
“Lets get another big crowd on Wednesday at Bellevue. Monday was great,” Palmeri said.
