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Central storms back to topple Andover

Another great game in a burgeoning rivalry.

Struggling back from a pair of one-goal deficits last night, Central Catholic finally broke through goalie Kyle Berthiaume late in the third period and dealt Andover its first loss of the season, 4-2.

After knotting the contest early in the third period, Tommy Evangelista took advantage of sustained Central pressure to slip the puck through a crowded slot and past Berthiaume with 1:57 remaining to give the Raiders their first lead.

Jonathan Daniels scored into an empty net with 17 seconds left to create the 4-2 final, a deceptive score considering how well Berthiaume performed.

Whether dealing with volumes of Central shots in the opening two periods or quality opportunities in the third, the junior netminder was a rock as he finished with 31 saves.

"We were lucky to sustain some pressure and finally break through," said Raider head coach Mike Jankowski. "(Berthiaume) played super, a really, really good job."

"Kyle pulled some rabbits out of his hat, especially in the third period," said Golden Warrior head coach Mario Martiniello.

Andover took advantage of a second-period Central line change to score first as Alex Driscoll converted Joe Kuta's fine pass. The Raiders knotted the count behind Nick Leonard's goal with 29 seconds left in the middle frame, but the Warriors quickly led again when Alex Patti's deft forechecking set up Matt Swett to score with just six seconds remaining.

"These games are always a nail-biter," concluded Martiniello. "This is a rivalry that just keeps growing and growing."