“Hanover Boys Hockey Soars as First Line Shines Bright!”
QUINCY – Junior left wing Cam Melone summed up Hanover High boys hockey on Wednesday night: “We’re not where we’re supposed to be yet.”
That might sound familiar and intimidating for future opponents. Last season, Hanover struggled early, sitting at 9-8 in February before surging to a 15-10 finish and a Division 4 state final appearance at TD Garden.
This year’s Hawks, also a “work in progress,” are showing potential. After a tight 3-1 win over North Quincy on Wednesday, Hanover improved to 5-2-4. Coach Jonny Abban noted, “We’re trending upward, and that’s the most important thing.”
The No. 1 line delivered in a big way, with senior center Cam Scott, Melone, and junior right wing Henry Phillips each scoring to erase a 1-0 deficit.
“The last couple of games we haven’t been scoring,” said Phillips. “It feels good to get some goals back. We’re starting to figure it out.”
Scott tied the game with his third goal of the season, followed by Melone’s fourth a power-play wrister from the right-wing circle. Phillips sealed the win with his team-high eighth goal, an empty-netter in the final seconds.
Melone, a standout from last season, has faced tighter defenses this year. “People have figured him out,” Abban said, “but his effort is always there. He’s got that extra gear most high school kids don’t.”
Phillips, a transfer from Catholic Memorial, has been a key contributor. “He finds me when no one else could,” Melone said of his linemate.
With the first line clicking, Hanover’s ceiling looks as high as last year’s state-finalist squad.
Hanover Reunites Top Line, Snaps Winless Streak
Hanover’s top trio of Cam Melone, Henry Phillips, and Cam Scott is back in action, reigniting the spark they showed last season. With senior goalie Thomas Perkins anchoring the defense and boasting a 2.09 goals-against average, the Hawks are a force in Division 4. Ranked No. 4 in the latest MIAA power rankings, they’re no underdog this year.
Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over North Quincy ended a four-game winless streak that included ties against Silver Lake, Whitman-Hanson, and Duxbury, followed by a 3-0 loss to Marshfield. “It’s nice to get back in the win column,” Melone said.
North Quincy (5-6) suffered its third straight loss despite a strong effort. Shea Winters scored as the first period ended, giving the Raiders a 1-0 lead, but they couldn’t hold off Hanover’s surging attack.
“In all the games, we’re in them and feel like we have a chance,” NQ coach Matt Gibbons said. “We’ve got to get over this hump with the stretch run approaching.”
With Hanover’s top line reunited and firing on all cylinders, they look poised to make another deep playoff run.
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: ‘We’re trending upward’: First line’s big night is a good omen for Hanover boys hockey