Boys’ hockey fell 7-0 to Natick Jan. 27, at home, in a tough, highly-defensive match. 

According to senior Declan Chamberlain, a captain with senior Jake Urquiola, the team must improve their offensive gameplan. “We need to work on being physical as a team and create plays,” said Chamberlain.

This performance marks yet another scoreless outing for North. “It’s difficult to win games when you don’t score goals,” said Dan Doucette, the head coach. 

Early in the first period, the Tigers played a solid defensive game.  North’s goalie, freshman Gavin Doucette made impressive saves, and their defense withstood Natick’s offensive pressure. However, Natick broke through to take a 1-0 lead six minutes into the game.  They went on to score three more goals before the end of the half.

In the second half, Natick started out aggressive on the attacking end, and the Tigers allowed their fifth goal four minutes into the half. North’s inability to create offense allowed Natick to score two more goals before the clock hit zero.

Doucette said that the team needs to improve offensively. “We are not possessing the puck for long periods of time.” 

The Tigers mustered only 11 shots on goal, compared to Natick’s 38. Despite North’s reduced penalties, offsides, and icings, Natick generated many of their shots from second chance opportunities, allowing them to pull away. 

According to Urquiola, the team needs to play with resilience from start to finish. “The effort is there, we just need to play a complete game.”

Boys’ hockey, 1-6,  play next at Needham on Wednesday, Feb. 10th.