At the 6:08 mark in the final period, Messalonskee defenseman Will Podey was sent to the box for holding during a one-on-two rush for Cape Elizabeth. The Capers had been outshot 5-1 at that point and Will Durkee’s goal had trimmed the lead in the final period. On the power play the puck squirted backside of the crease where Sebastain Moon was able to put it in on the open net for a 4-2 lead. The goal was part of an 11-2 shots on goal run that allowed Cape Elizabeth to hold to a 4-3 Class B state championship win.
Messalonskee couldn’t establish any offensive momentum in the first two periods, being outshot 20-9. Cape Elizabeth’s physicality set the tempo and they needed only 2:35 in the second period to take a 3-0 lead. Senior Nick Laughlin scored back-to-back goals before going to the box for hooking. On the power play Moon forced a turnover and put a short-handed goal in. 13 seconds later Owen Kirk finally got the Eagles on the board after pushing a rebound past Charlie Garvin, but left Messo chasing that 3-1 deficit in that final period.
During the 11-2 shots on goal run, which included Moon’s power-play goal, the Eagles couldn’t establish puck control to pull the goalie. Over the last minute, Messo finally pulled goalie Hunter Hallie and Podey did get one into the net with just 14 seconds left, but Cape Elizabeth trapped the puck along the boards to run out the clock on the ensuing face-off.
In the previous 20 games, Cape Elizabeth had only given up more than two goals in two games. Their physical play disrupted Messalonskee’s game and keep them from the crispness they displayed in the region finals against Hampden Academy. The Capers held Messo to 1-3 on power plays, including 53 seconds into the third period for too many men on the ice.
Durkee had the first goal in the third period for Messalonskee and had two other golden opportunities. Durkee looked to have a goal go in and bounce out immediately, but upon review was upheld as no good. The senior also had a chance to put one in the backside, but Garvin made a great save from his belly by kicking it away.
Moon and Laughlin both had two goals and Laughlin had an assist on the game-winning goal from Moon. The U Maine commit was also key in the Capers’ defense that kept the Eagles off balance. Cape Elizabeth outshot Messo 34-21, including an 11-2 first period.
