RallyNorth.net

Fishermen know what to expect from physical Clippers

Friday, February, 29 By Nick Curcuru
Correspondent

Gloucester junior tri-captain Josh Salah could easily sum up what went wrong in the Fishermen's regular-season matchup with Newburyport.

"They beat us up," Salah said.

The Clippers used their size advantage and a smaller rink (Graf Rink in Newburyport) to neutralize Gloucester's speed en route to a 4-2 win on Feb. 2.

Fortunately for Gloucester, they will get another crack at the Clippers tomorrow when the two meet in the Division 2 North quarterfinal at Salem State College's Rockett Arena (2:30 p.m.). Gloucester advanced to the quarters with a tight 5-3 win over North Reading; Newburyport advanced by trouncing Saugus 5-1.

This time around, Gloucester knows what to expect from Newburyport and will be playing on a bigger ice surface. The Fishermen hope to use the larger rink and their knowledge of the Clippers to make the outcome of the rematch much different than the first.

"We're psyched for this one," Salah said. "We want another crack at them with the way they beat us last time, and this team responds well to adversity. We are ready for the physicality, we have to play the body and be physical back."

Salah also believes the bigger rink will be a factor.

"It will definitely be a factor," Salah said about playing at Rockett Arena. "They eliminated our speed last time, and it will be tougher to slow us down on a bigger rink. They know we're faster than them."

Previously, Gloucester has fared well this season when out for revenge. The Fishermen were able to beat Peabody 7-2 after they were dominated by the Tanners 7-1 earlier in the season. While the Fishermen have been chomping at the bit to face the Clippers again, head coach Don Lowe doesn't think the extra motivation will be a factor because it's a tournament game.

"The stakes are much higher this time so I don't think (a revenge factor) will make much of a difference," Lowe said. "We responded well in beating Peabody but this is the tournament, (Newburyport's) season is on the line too so they'll be just as fired up as we are. It's going to be a tough, hard-fought game."

Aside from the Clippers' physical style of the play, Gloucester will also have to worry about their ability to score goals. Newburyport averages over four goals per game and comes into tomorrow's matchup having won seven straight games.

Newburyport's biggest offensive threat is Derek McCoy, who has 21 goals and 19 assists on the season. The senior center has over 100 points for his career and is coming off a two goal, one assist game against Saugus. The Fishermen will also have to watch out for Kyle McElroy (36 points), Kevin Holmes (34 points) and Derek Freeman (31 points). In net, Newburyport freshman goalie Anthony Federico has come on strong allowing no more than two goals in each of the last seven games for the Clippers.

The Fishermen also come into the game on a hot-streak having won their last five games. Moreover, they have shown the ability to grind out a win against a physically stronger opponent. Gloucester was able to overcome a bigger, more physical North Reading team, even when the Hornets contained Gloucester's speed.

All in all, Gloucester knows they are up against a physically imposing opponent so they hope that their speed and experience will propel them to victory and the Division 2 North semifinals.

"(Newburyport) is a tough team to beat," Lowe said. "They play physical hockey and we need to be ready for it."