BROCKTON - For the second time this season, the Norton High hockey team, an independent program in its second full-fledged varsity season, secured a point against a Hockomock League rival, the Lancers skating away from the Asiaf Arena Monday with a 1-1 tie with Stoughton in the non-league game.
Moreover, the point puts Norton (7-5-4) within two points of qualifying for the MIAA Tournament for the first time in program history. The Lancers have four chances to do so, playing their second game in as many days today (6:00 p.m.) in Foxboro against Durfee.
"We have an NHL schedule," said Norton coach Kyle Heagney as the Lancers will play five games over a six-day span - after the Hilltoppers tonight, visiting Dover-Sherborn on Wednesday, and then traveling to Fall River on Friday morning (9 a.m.) for a game with Dighton-Rehoboth/Seekonk. They close out the regular season next Sunday against O'Bryant.
The Lancers were less than six minutes away from earning two points against the Black Knights, but Stoughton scored a power play goal, the tying tally with 5:41 left. Norton had taken the lead during the first period when senior captain Troy Parker scored at 7:19 with Bobby Trudeau and eighth grader Brenan Heayden assisting.
The Lancers, which had also tied Foxboro earlier in the season, received a 22-save performance in goal from Tony Cerce, who made an incredible post-to-post save to protect the tie in the waning minutes. Sophomore left wing Jake Palin was instrumental in the Lancers generating 19 shots, Norton not having a power play in the entire game.
"We have a lot of hockey left," added Heagney of the quick turn-around with the schedule before the MIAA Tournament Committee makes seedings and pairings Feb. 23.
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