Martlets and Bearcats Tie

The Martlets traveled to Lakeville, CT, on Wednesday afternoon to face the Bearcats from Hotchkiss in a spirited Founders League showdown, which ended in a 2-2 tie. The first 18 minutes of the game lacked energy, which is not uncommon for both teams coming off their winter long weekend. Much of the first period was played in the neutral zone, with both teams treating the puck like a hot potato.

However, the Martlets broke the deadlock first with a great goal from Easton Masse ’25, who skated in alone on the Hotchkiss goalie. The second period saw both teams find their rhythm, with play becoming more connected and resembling a true hockey game. The Bearcats pressured the Martlets for several shifts, eventually tying the game at 1. The tie didn’t last long, though, as Blake Burke ’25, assisted by his brother Owen Burke ’26 and Derek Rhodes ’25, regained the lead for Westminster on the very next shift.

With a 2-1 lead heading into the third period, the Martlets played solidly but suffered a mental lapse late in the game, allowing Hotchkiss to tie it up at 2. With the score even, both teams entered overtime, each hoping to find the game-winner. Both goalies played outstanding, and the game ultimately ended in a well-earned tie.