FOXBORO – The New England Leafs, Tropics, Hockey Essentials White and PHDG Red are all that remain standing following the quarterfinal round of the 2015 New England Pro-Am Hockey Pre-Draft Showcase.
The Leafs advanced by the tightest of margins of the four quarterfinal games, narrowly escaping PHDG White with a 1-0 win. The Leafs seemed in control much of the contest, but struggled to break through into the PHDG net. Jonathan Cyr’s power play goal at 8:49 the only one to be scored in the game.
Conversely, the Tropics scored the biggest win of the quarters, getting on Hockey Essentials Red early and not coming off, coming away with a 4-0 win. RJ Murphy led the assault, racking up a pair of goals, and was aided by goals from Quinn Foreman and Ryan Pfeffer. Craig Pantano backstopped the shutout for the Tropics.
Hockey Essentials White also posted a shutout in their quarterfinal victory, Grant Valentine stopping 14-of-14 shots in the 2-0 win over the Surrey Eagles Prospects. Jordan Kaplan and Trevor Turnbull each credited with a goal for Essentials, scores coming at 23:05 and 28:43, respectively.
In the only of the four quarterfinal games not to end as a shutout, PHDG advanced with a 3-1 win over Boston Generals Elite. Much of the game was a stalemate on the score sheet, passing the halfway point before PHDG winger Danny Eruzione broke through at 15:40 to give his side a 1-0 advantage. The Generals quickly responded with an equalizer from CJ Dodero less than two minutes later at 17:15. Quincy Gregg’s power play goal at 23:58 stood up as the game-winner, with Connor Sodergren adding the empty net insurance goal at 29:40.
The semifinal matchups, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Foxboro Sports Center, will feature the Leafs taking on PHDG Red and the Tropics going up against Hockey Essentials White.
