By Hannah Clary and Taylor Bovarnick
This Friday, February 23, the Newton South Boys Varsity hockey team must either tie or defeat Lowell High School to advance to the Massachusetts State Tournament.
Heading into its final game of the season, South is looking to earn its first playoff berth since 1996. Sophomore Edward Friedman said that his team must play its best in order to advance to the playoffs.
“We need to get pucks to the net and capitalize on every chance we get,” Friedman said. He also emphasized the importance of having a “solid” defense.
This season has been coach Chris Ryeberg’s most successful during his tenure at South. After Thursday’s practice Ryeberg refrained from collecting team practice jerseys, showing faith in his team for Friday’s game.
For the team’s seniors, this contest has added significance as it might be these players’ last game in a South uniform. Senior captain Peter Block said that the team has prepared extensively for Lowell.
“Right now I’d say we’re ready for whatever they’re going to throw at us,” Block said. “We know how they play and their strategy and we’ve prepared for them throughout the week in practice, running different offenses and ways of breaking the puck out.”
Block added that they will have to “come out hitting” to establish their physicality.
South recognizes the implications of tomorrow’s game, but the team is confident in its chances.
“Players and coaches are both eager and anxious going into tomorrow,” sophomore Paul Budge said. “We have put ourselves in a good position this season, and we feel that we are bound for the tournament.”
The game will take place at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell at 4:00 PM.
