Martlets Knock Off Winged Beavers

In their final game before the mid-winter break, the Martlets welcomed the Winged Beavers from Avon to Jackson Rink for a 2 pm showdown. Just over a week ago, the Martlets finished second when the teams last met, but they had been playing well recently, coming off positive results against Kent and Williston.

From the opening puck drop, the Martlets were ready to compete. The Black and Gold played with high intensity, putting pressure on the visitors and keeping them on their heels throughout the first period. The Martlets quickly established their forecheck, and it paid off. Matty Hanrahan '26 separated an Avon defender from the puck behind the net, then found Cullen Horn '26 in the high slot. Horn fired a quick shot on goal, and while the Avon goalie made the initial save, Erich Brueckmann '26 pounced on the rebound to give the Martlets a 1-0 lead.

Still leading 1-0 as the second period began, the Martlets continued to refine their game and build momentum shift by shift. Despite several good chances, the lead remained at one. Avon capitalized on an opportunity to tie the game at 1, but Blake Burke '25 responded just moments later, reclaiming the lead for the Martlets with a goal set up by Derek Rhodes '25 and his younger brother, Owen Burke '26.

With a 2-1 lead heading into the third period, the Martlets knew they needed their best effort to close out the game. Just 30 seconds into the period, Blake Burke '25 made a statement, burying his second goal of the day to extend the Martlets' lead to 3-1. Both teams fought hard in the final 18 minutes, with players blocking shots, crashing the net, and battling for every inch of ice. Avon had a few chances to tie the game, but Jack Fichthorn '26 was exceptional in net, shutting the door time and time again.

Derek Rhodes '25 sealed the win for the Martlets by converting on a rebound to make it 4-1. Despite some late penalties, the Martlets held on for the victory. Fichthorn was outstanding, stopping 32 of 33 shots.