Durfee Hilltoppers - Varsity Hockey: Video Clips/Pictures: The Big Three Showdow with New Bedford (1992)
Durfee scores early
Two New Bedford defensemen are in hot pursuit of Durfee's Eric Bradbury, but are a little late as Bradbury beat NB goalie Jeff Allain early in the first period to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead. Hilltopper defenseman Cesar Borges (4) is also shown in this picture.
Early emotion
Durfee's Eric Bradbury (with stick raised) is lifted off the ice by a jubilant Bobby Rapoza (5) following Bradbury's goal.
Carrolton holds the fort
Durfee netminder Mark Carrolton smothers the puck and stops the scoring threat of New Bedford's Jeff Beaulieu (24) during first period action at Driscoll Rink
A rocket by Labouliere
New Bedford goalie Jeff Allain sees the puck go by him moments after Hilltopper Mike Labouliere fired a 30 foot slapshot. That goal gave Durfee a 2-0 lead.
An exchange of words?
Durfee defenseman Marc Megna (9) chats with the referee during a stoppage of play in the first period.
The Whalers get on the board.....
Topper goalie Mark Carrolton sees the puck sneak by midway through the first period to cut Durfee's lead to 2-1. Durfee defenseman Mike Lopes (11) looks on in despair.
In alone on New Bedford's Allain
Durfee's Eric Bertrand is in alone on Whaler goalie Jeff Allain but Allain makes the save as 4 New Bedford players rush the net area to provide added help. Eric Bradbury (10) and Mike Labouliere (2) are also pictured.
Brum on the attack
Hilltoppers Kevin Brum (8) and Eric Bertrand (12) are on the doorsteop of goalie Jeff Allain in hopes of a rebound that never came.
Capacity crowd at Driscoll
Driscoll Rink was near capacity to see this showdown between Durfee and New Bedford as both teams entered the game with identical 8-1-2 (W-L-T) records.
Bernie the playmaker....
Durfee's Eric Betrand (12) is shown here holding off a New Bedford defender. Only seconds later he passed the puck to freshman Tony Frias who scored a goal to give the Hilltoppers a 3-2 lead midway through the third period.
1st varsity goal
Freshman Tony Frias jumps for joy moments after scoring his first varsity goal which gave Durfee a 3-2 lead midway through the thrid period. NB goalie Jeff Allain is shown down and out.
Congratulations for a freshman
Durfee's Tony Frias (6) is congratulated by teammates following his goal that gave the Hilltopers a 3-2 lead.
Feeling the pressure?????
A look at the New Bedford bench shows signs of concern as the minutes tick away in the third period.
Brum, the insurance man.......
Durfee's Kevin Brum (8) fires the puck past a sprawled Jeff Allain to give the Hilltoppers a 4-2 lead in the thrid period.
Piling up the saves
Durfee goalie Mark Carrolton continues to frustrate New Bedford as he piles up the saves in the third period.
Question for the ref?
The Durfee coaching staff looks for a rule clarification from the ref in the closing minutes of the game. At this point, the Hilltoppers were leading 4-3.
A sealed victory.......
Durfee's Kevin Brum (8) fires the puck into an empty net to seal a 5-3 win for the Hilltoppers. For Brum, it was his second goal of the game.
Team celebration
The Hilltoppers celebrate their hard earned 5-3 win over the New Bedford Whalers. Just a week earlier, these teams played to a 4-4 tie at Hetland Rink in New Bedford. This victory clinched at least a tie for the Big Three Conference Championship for Durfee.
A sign of sportsmanship & respect
The Durfee and New Bedford players lineup for the traditional post-game friendship line following their exciting game at a packed Driscoll Rink.
Game MVP #1
Durfee goaltender Mark Carrolton played a major role in Durfee's 5-3 win posting 28 saves.
Game MVP #2
Durfee's Kevin Brum is shown here being interviewd by Channel 13's Alex Stylos. Brum had 2 goals and assisted on one other.
