Boston Gold Kings Outlast Norfolk Mallards in High-Scoring Showdown

Boston Gold Kings Outlast Norfolk Mallards in High-Scoring Showdown

Boston, MA – February 25, 2025- In a thrilling, back-and-forth contest, the Boston Gold Kings secured a hard-fought 7-5 victory over the Norfolk Mallards at the Boston Ice Arena. The game was packed with action, showcasing strong offensive performances from both teams, as well as crucial assists and timely goals that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

The game kicked off with the Norfolk Mallards taking an early lead at 16:13 when #37 Aidan Parker found the back of the net, with an assist from #24 Jack Halloran, giving the Mallards a 1-0 advantage. The Mallards doubled their lead just under two minutes later at 14:26, as #88 Kyler Harding netted a goal with an assist from #22 Adam Towey, pushing Norfolk ahead 2-0. However, the Gold Kings quickly regrouped and responded in the 7th minute. #5 Brian Cebula scored Boston’s first goal of the game, assisted by #12 Spencer Smith and #25 Anthony DiCostanzo, bringing the score to 2-1 and cutting Norfolk's lead in half. Despite the Mallards’ early pressure, the Gold Kings were able to gain momentum as the first period came to a close.

The second period was all about the Gold Kings, who took control of the game with four unanswered goals. At 15:59, #53 Kaleb Auchterlonie scored the tying goal, assisted by #8 Shawn Savela, bringing the game to 2-2. Just minutes later, at 11:10, Boston took the lead for the first time when #15 Christian Baldino lit the lamp with an assist from #91 Matt Baldino, making it 3-2. The offensive onslaught continued at 5:26, with #12 Spencer Smith finding the back of the net, assisted by Baldino once again, pushing the Gold Kings to a 4-2 lead. At 4:59, Boston extended their advantage further with a goal from #46 Christopher Maher, assisted by #9 Russell Childers and #48 Nick Pitarys, making it a commanding 5-2 lead. Norfolk wasn’t about to back down, though, and responded just 52 seconds later at 4:07. Kyler Harding scored his second goal of the night, assisted by #2 Jake Morgan, narrowing the deficit to 5-3. With the clock winding down, the Gold Kings fired back with a goal from #18 Nate Althoff at 0:49, assisted by #74 Cam Mical, giving Boston a 6-3 lead heading into the final period.

Norfolk was determined to mount a comeback in the third period, and they did just that with an early goal from Harding at 19:04. Harding’s unassisted goal brought the Mallards within two, now trailing 6-4. However, Boston responded quickly with a goal from #7 Brian Bilafer at 18:31, assisted by Spencer Smith, extending the Gold Kings’ lead back to 7-4. The Mallards kept fighting until the final whistle, with #10 Kyle Nicolas scoring at 2:25, assisted by #16 Kyle Mastroianni and Harding, cutting the score to 7-5. But despite a valiant effort, the Gold Kings’ defense, led by goalie Michael Cowell, held firm for the remainder of the period, securing the victory.

In net for Norfolk, starter #1 Justin Koulalis faced 26 shots, stopping 20 for a save percentage of .769. Backup goalie #12 Jeremiah Sylvia made 9 saves on 10 shots, finishing with a .900 save percentage. Boston’s goalie, #1 Michael Cowell, was solid, stopping 21 of 26 shots for a save percentage of .808.

3 Stars of the Game

1. Kyler Harding- Norfolk- 3 goals 1 assist

2. Spencer Smith- Boston- 1 goal 2 assists

3. Christian Baldino- Boston- 1 goal 1 assist

Looking Ahead

The best of 3 PPSHL Playoffs will start on 3/1. The 1st place Salem Sasquatch will take on the 4th place Norfolk Mallards in Salem in game 1 of the series. The 2nd place Holyoke Papermen will take on the 3rd place Boston Gold Kings in Holyoke in game 1 of the series.