Martlets Win NEPSAC Large Quarterfinal

The Martlets traveled to Byfield, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon for a 4:30 PM game against the Governors Academy in the quarterfinals of the Martin/Earl New England Large School Tournament. Eager to kick off their postseason against an unfamiliar opponent, the Martlets were energized after a lengthy 2.5-hour ride up to Byfield.

The Black and Gold came out firing right from the start, with Blake Burke ’25 opening the scoring just 14 seconds into the game. His shot found its way through traffic and past the Govs’ goaltender. Less than two minutes later, Erich Brueckmann ’26 followed suit, scoring from nearly the same spot where Burke had found the net. The Martlets kept the pressure on, and a few minutes later, Quinn Pine ’25 added another, capping off a nice sequence that began when Easton Masse ’25 intercepted a cross-ice pass in the neutral zone.

Govs responded with determination, pushing back hard. By the end of the first period, they had scored twice, cutting the Martlets’ lead to just one goal.

Despite giving up two late goals, the Martlets had won the first 18 minutes and were determined to build on that momentum. The second period saw high-level, fast-paced hockey from both teams. Each side pushed hard and generated opportunities, while both goalies stood tall. Govs found the back of the net first in the second period to tie the game at 3, but the Martlets quickly answered. On the very next shift, Gus McGarvey ’26 powered his way to the net and banged home a pass from Quinn Pine to give the Black and Gold the lead once more. The Martlets kept their foot on the gas, and with just under five minutes left in the second period, Easton Masse ’25 extended the lead to 5-3, finishing a beautiful pass from Owen Burke ’26 as the team headed into the final period.

The third period began with a strong push from Govs, but the Martlets met it head-on, playing solid defensive hockey. With just under six minutes remaining, Govs scored again to narrow the Martlets’ lead to one. However, with their goalie pulled in the final minutes, it was Blake Burke once again who sealed the win, finding the empty net to secure the 6-4 victory.

Jack Ficthorn ’26 was a standout throughout the game, controlling rebounds and making key saves when called upon. With the win, the Martlets are back on the bus Saturday for a semifinal matchup against Belmont Hill.