Winthrop University's Pete Silverman reacts to scoring his team's first goal against Essex Tech goaltender Garrett White. (Chris Crist/Boston Herald)
WINTHROP — When local hockey fans got their first look at the scheduled game between Essex Tech and Winthrop this winter, no one knew how things would ultimately turn out. One thing was certain. There was a history between coaches and players that went back several years through past club and school programs as well.
Unsurprisingly, both teams had a somewhat heated match with plenty to watch.
Senior forward Pete Silverman scored two goals and had an assist as Winthrop (10-0-1) maintained its undefeated record with a 5-2 win over the Hawks at Larsen Rink.
“We knew it was going to be a tough, tough game,” Winthrop coach Dale Dunbar said. “We just keep talking about how we're going to improve and win games. Don't do something stupid and get taken out of the game. If we just play our game outside of the box, who can we?” You can also play with
The perfect litmus test for determining the North Shore's elite teams, Essex Tech entered the contest as the No. 6 ranked program in the MIAA's most recent division. 3rd place in power ranking (team rating 1.3142). Meanwhile, Winthrop was selected as the top-seeded school in the division. 4 (2.7487).
This matchup lived up to the early expectations, with Winthrop taking the lead. While skating in transition, Mike Holgerson spotted a teammate on his left side. He fed Silverman a pass and watched his senior score a highlight-reel goal before making his way toward the cage. He had 53.7 ticks left in the opening period and the Vikings were up 1-0.
However, after knocking on the door to open the second door, Essex Tech responded. Cam Casey fired into the roadway. The puck appeared to take five or six hops before settling on Anthony Visenti's stick, but Visenti hit the open net with just under seven minutes left to tie the game at 1-all.
But, as they have so many times this season, the Vikings responded strongly. In just 1 minute and 24 seconds, Rob Rich and Nate Previtt scored back-to-back points to give Winthrop the lead, 3-1 going into the third set.
“I was happy when we scored the second goal with a two-goal lead,” Dunbar said. “If we get into the third inning, we can pretty much shut it out without giving the team too much of an early lead.”
Tensions continued to rise in the final game, but the Vikings remained calm. Luke Guthinzi extended the lead to 4-1 with a chip shot, and Silverman put the game on ice with a rocket with 5:18 left.
“I saw Essex Tech play,” Silverman said. “They're playing a good schedule and they're a tough team. I think there was a big rivalry with the Peabody coach (then Mark Leonard) even back then. That still is, but going into the game, I think we had a great rivalry. knew what he had to do.”
In addition to Silverman's heroics, Winthrop was also inspired by junior Aidan Servilas (two assists).
Essex Tech closed the game with a goal by Chris Maher with 54.2 seconds left.
“It was a fierce rivalry,” Dunbar said. “I don't expect anything different.”
