With both the Dedham and Norwood girls hockey teams ticketed for the state tournament, the second meeting between the two squads offered a chance for each to get a taste of what postseason play might offer.
The defense is amped up, scoring chances are at a premium, and the goaltending is superb.
Judging by the performances of the Marauders and Mustangs on Wednesday night, both appear more than ready for the tourney. With goalies Christina Frasca and Sarah Mosca proving impenetrable, Norwood and Dedham skated to a 0-0 tie at Flood Rink.
“It was playoff hockey,” said Dedham co-coach Don Parr. “Both teams were ready and raring to go. There’s a lot on the line with everybody fighting for the top spot and I’m not surprised the way it played out. We had our chances and they had their chances. It was a good game.”
Both teams are currently tied for third in the five-team race for the Bay State Conference Hergret Division crown with 16 points, three behind Milton and one back of Wellesley, both winners Wednesday night.
Dedham moves to 7-3-5 overall and 6-3-4 in the conference, still needing one point in its final five games to officially qualify for the tournament. Norwood, meanwhile, has already clinched a postseason berth with a 10-4-2 overall mark and a 7-4-2 record in the BSC.
“We told the girls that it’s great to make a tournament,” said Norwood coach Bill O’Donnell. “That was a big goal of ours before the season started and their hard work paid off but we knew tonight that we were in for a tough game. The season has been special already and we’re just trying to make it more special by battling and working. These very hard fought, tight, low-scoring games can only help you for the tournament.”
Scoring opportunities were few and far between in the first two periods as the Mustangs’ best chance came late in the second period and early in the third when the Marauders were whistled for the only penalty of the game.
Dedham had the best opportunity of the game in the final minute. Senior captain Kelly Celata stole the puck at center ice and skated in alone on the breakaway with just over 20 seconds left but was denied by Frasca to preserve the scoreless tie.
“Frasca came up big on the breakaway,” said O’Donnell. “She made a lot of quality saves and they had some quality shots but this is what she’s done all season.”
