Martlets Defeat Nobles

In their third game of the 2024 Flood Marr Tournament, the Martlets faced a stiff challenge from the undefeated Bulldogs of Nobles. Nobles came into the matchup with an unblemished record, and they wasted no time showcasing why, keeping the Martlets on their heels for the first five minutes of the opening period. The Bulldogs came out fast, applying pressure early and making it difficult for the Black and Gold to find their rhythm. But as the period wore on, the Martlets leveled their wings, found their skating legs, and began to push back. Despite a handful of quality chances, they couldn’t find the back of the net and found themselves trailing 1-0 at the first intermission.

The second period was a high-energy, end-to-end battle, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Both goalies stood tall, turning away quality bids and keeping the game tight. The Martlets’ persistence eventually paid off on the power play when Quinn Pine '25 hammered home a goal to tie the game at 1. But the real magic came moments later. Off the ensuing faceoff, Pine fed a perfect pass to Owen Burke '26, who was streaking toward the net. Burke made a slick move to freeze the goalie and then calmly put the puck into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. However, Nobles wasn’t about to go quietly. They answered back with a power play goal of their own, evening the score at 2 just before the second period buzzer sounded.

With everything on the line in the third period, the intensity reached a fever pitch. Both teams exchanged chances, each trying to seize the advantage. But it was the Martlets who broke the deadlock midway through the period. Pine, once again, found Burke in front, and Burke didn’t miss—burying his second goal of the game to put the Martlets up 3-2. The Martlets played strong, disciplined hockey in the final minutes, with their defense and goaltending holding firm to preserve the lead.

Jack Fichthorn '26 was absolutely stellar in net, making crucial saves to keep the Martlets ahead and cementing his reputation as one of the tournament’s top goaltenders. With this gritty 3-2 win, the Martlets showed their resilience and their ability to rise to the occasion against one of the tournament’s toughest opponents. This victory was a testament to their character, teamwork, and never-give-up attitude—and it sets the stage for an exciting finish to the tournament.