Boys’ hockey fell 2-4 in a brave fight against the Needham Rockets Wednesday, Jan. 7 at John A. Ryan Arena. 

“We came out on the losing end, but it was a good effort. We worked hard, and we worked as a team,” said head coach Dan Poucette.

The Tigers started off dominating the ice, as senior Ben Pachus earned the first goal of the match 13 minutes into the game.

Needham wasn’t deterred, and with 32 seconds remaining in the first period, a goal from the Rockets brought the score to a 1-1 tie.

The Tigers persisted throughout the remainder of the period with little progress. With six minutes left on the clock, the Tigers slipped up and allowed Needham to sneak a goal into North’s net. 

As the last period opened, the Tigers and the Rockets appeared drained, but North worked hard to gain back its early lead.

“Making the playoffs is our biggest goal this year. All four years I’ve been here, we’ve tried to make it happen,” said senior captain Brody King.

Still, just minutes later, Needham scored two goals in succession, widening its lead by three points.

Refusing to give up, the Tigers pushed Needham’s defenses even harder, allowing sophomore Colten Abcunas to slide the puck past the Rockets’ goalie just seconds before the final buzzer.

Boys’ hockey, 4-7-1, fell to Milton Saturday, Jan. 10, and Braintree Wednesday, Jan. 14. The Tigers will face Medford Wednesday, Jan. 21.