Boston Gold Kings Defeat Holyoke Papermen in Game 2 of PPSHL Playoffs, Advance to Championship

Boston Gold Kings Defeat Holyoke Papermen in Game 2 of PPSHL Playoffs, Advance to Championship

March 8, 2025 – Watertown, MA – The Boston Gold Kings triumphed over the Holyoke Papermen in Game 2 of their PPSHL playoff series on Saturday night, earning a 5-3 victory to secure a 2-0 series win.

Boston had already taken a 1-0 series lead, as Holyoke was forced to forfeit Game 1 due to an ineligible player participating. With this win, the Gold Kings advance to face the Salem Sasquatch in the upcoming PPSHL Championship, where they will aim for their first league title.

The game got off to an exciting start with both teams exchanging goals in the first period. Boston drew first blood at 16:53 with an even-strength goal by #61 Cj Grinnell, assisted by #81 Joseph O’Leary and #25 Anthony DiCostanzo. However, Holyoke responded quickly, leveling the game at 1-1 just 3 minutes later when #19 Danny Loughlin scored, assisted by #69 Nate Towse and #26 Robert Kass.

The Gold Kings regained the lead at 10:37 with another even-strength goal, this time from #7 Brian Bilafer, who scored unassisted to make it 2-1. With the momentum now firmly on their side, Boston extended their advantage early in the second period. At 12:20, O’Leary found the back of the net with help from DiCostanzo, making it 3-1. Just 2:11 later, the Gold Kings went up 4-1 after Matt Baldino scored, assisted by Christian Baldino and Spencer Smith.

As if that wasn't enough, O’Leary netted his second goal of the game at 0:29 of the second period to give Boston a commanding 5-1 lead.

Holyoke showed some resilience in the third period, scoring two quick goals. At 2:45, #44 Cody Cleveland put the Papermen back in the game with a goal, assisted by Robert Kass and #23 James Carlin. Just 10 seconds later, JD Anderson added another for Holyoke, assisted by Cleveland and Kass, bringing the score to 5-3. However, despite their best efforts, the Papermen could not close the gap further, and Boston held on for the victory.

Boston’s goalie, Michael Cowell, was stellar in net, stopping 31 of 34 shots for a save percentage of .912. Meanwhile, Holyoke's Griffin Spear faced 38 shots, saving 33 but allowing 5 goals, finishing with a save percentage of .868.

3 Stars of the Game

1. Joe O’Leary- Boston- 2 goals 1 assist

2. Anthony DiCostanzo- 3 assists

3. Robert Kass- Holyoke- 3 assists

Looking Ahead

With the series win over Holyoke, the Boston Gold Kings are now set to face the Salem Sasquatch in the PPSHL Championship. After a dominant performance in game 2 of the playoffs, Boston will bring that style of p