Hockey: Spartans wear down Billerica, 5-1 The St. Mary's hockey team continued to follow its blueprint for success Saturday night, shutting down Billerica, 5-1, at Hallenborg Arena. The Spartans ran their Division 1-best record to 9-1-1 and have outscored opponents, 52-17.
"This is a fairly young team, one that graduated nine seniors from a year ago, so we weren't sure what to expect. To have the type of year we've had is a pleasant surprise. I think the key is the fact that this team has meshed very well in a short period and they like each other on and off the ice. We preach hard work and discipline and we've been getting that every night, something we're very proud of," said coach Mark Lee.
Jordan Manthorne broke a scoreless tie at 48 seconds of the second period, the first of five Spartans to find the net. Ryan Madden and Tim Aylward (goal, assist) added second-period tallies while Jared Fitzpatrick and Cam O'Neil (goal, assist) scored in the third. Billerica spoiled sophomore goalie Bailey MacBurnie's (18 saves) shutout bid with 1:37 remaining.
"It all starts with goaltending and Bailey has done a great job in his first varsity year. And the offense comes from our defense -- it's never the same guys and everyone is contributing," said Lee.
