LEWISTON — The third-seeded Scarborough boys’ hockey team came alive in the second period Tuesday, scoring three goals en route to a 3-2 victory over sixth-ranked Biddeford in a Class A South quarterfinal at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.
Cam Smith assisted on all three goals to help the Red Storm (11-7-1) advance to the semifinals for the sixth straight year.
Scarborough (11-7-1), the defending regional champion, will play Saturday against second-seeded Cheverus (13-5) or seventh-ranked South Portland/Freeport/Waynflete (7-10-1).
“I just thought we were really moving the puck well tonight overall,” said Smith, a senior forward. “I’m glad that I got to be on three good teams and make it this far.”
Colin Petit scored twice for Biddeford (10-9).
“We knew it was going to be a tight defensive game,” Biddeford Coach Jason Tremblay said. “I just think they played a little tighter. We just couldn’t generate enough offense.”
Scarborough outshot Biddeford, 25-16. But despite ending the opening period with a 7-3 edge in shots on net, the Red Storm entered the second down 1-0.
“We didn’t really have the will to score in the first period,” Smith said. “That second period, we started finishing.”
The Tigers didn’t get their first shot on goal until 81/2 minutes into the game, when Petit took one on a breakaway. Scarborough goalkeeper Brandon Wasser blocked the shot before diving on top of it.
But with 2:35 left in the first period, Petit managed to put a shot past Wasser – assisted by Brady Crepeau and Ricky Ruck.
“I just wanted them to take quick shots on net,” Scarborough Coach Norm Gagne said. “I told them, ‘Don’t try to do more than we’ve practiced.’ When you get into a playoff game like this, kids tend to try and do too much. Just keep it simple.”
The Red Storm came out sharp in the second period. On a power play in the first 25 seconds, Justin Perry scored from Mason Parks and Smith. Five minutes later, Parks and Smith assisted on another Scarborough goal – this one by Skylar Pettingill – for the Red Storm’s first lead of the game.
“They scored out of the gate – 30 seconds in,” Tremblay said. “I think they grabbed the momentum.”
But Colin Petit answered back less than a minute later. With 8:56 left, he tied the score again with a goal assisted by Curtis Petit and Colin Lavigne.
Samuel Neugebauer gave the Red Storm the lead for good when he put away a Smith rebound with 6:34 left in the second. Neither team would score again.
Wasser finished with 14 saves for Scarborough. Owen Sullivan of Biddeford stopped 22 shots.
The teams split two games in the regular season, with Biddeford edging Scarborough 2-1 on Dec. 23 and the Red Storm shutting out the Tigers 2-0 on Feb. 4.
“We knew it was a tough matchup but we knew we had beaten them earlier,” Tremblay said. “I’m proud of the senior leadership. They guided this team and it leaves us with a bright future next year.”
Scarborough has won its last three games, capping off its regular season with wins over Portland/Deering and South Portland/Freeport/Waynflete.
“I told them before the game, ‘Our veterans are going to have to play like veterans, and our younger guys are going to have to step up and learn what it’s all about,’ ” Gagne said. “When we run the system, we play well.”
Taylor Vortherms can be contacted at 791-6417 or
tvortherms@pressherald.com
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