Holyoke Papermen Hold Off Boston Gold Kings for 4-3 Road Victory

Holyoke Papermen Hold Off Boston Gold Kings for 4-3 Road Victory

Watertown, MA – November 23, 2024

In a thrilling back-and-forth matchup at the John A. Ryan Arena, the Holyoke Papermen earned a hard-fought 4-3 win over the Boston Gold Kings. Despite a late push from the Gold Kings, the Papermen held on for a win.

The game started with an early advantage for the Gold Kings when Joel Robbins found the back of the net midway through the first period. Robbins’ goal, assisted by Shamus Doherty and Brian Cebula, gave Boston a 1-0 lead. Holyoke responded in the dying moments of the first period when Nick Blais buried a late goal off assists from Austin Deren and Robert Kass to knot the score at 1-1 heading into the second.

The second period was a battle of special teams, with both sides finding the back of the net while on the power play or short-handed. The Papermen took their first lead of the game early in the period when Camden Cacolice scored on the power play, with assists from Luke Bonavita and JD Anderson. However, Boston quickly responded with a shorthanded goal from Cj Grinnell, tying the game once again at 2-2.

As the third period unfolded, it was the Gold Kings who initially took control. Brian Bilafer put Boston ahead 3-2 with an unassisted goal just 3:58 into the final frame. But the Papermen showed their resilience, with JD Anderson scoring an unassisted goal to tie the game at 3-3 midway through the period.

With both teams pushing for the go-ahead goal, it was Holyoke who came through in the final minutes. Mike Kelley scored the game-winning goal with just under four minutes remaining, with Cacolice and Zach Lillie earning the assists. Despite a late surge by the Gold Kings, the Papermen held firm to seal the 4-3 victory.

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Mike Kelley (Holyoke) – 1goal- Game winning goal

2. Camden Cacolice (Holyoke) – 1 goal 1 assist

3. Kyle Mahan (Boston) – 48 saves on 52 shots

Looking Ahead

Both teams now head into the Thanksgiving break, with the next action set for December 7. The Papermen will return home to face the first-place Salem Sasquatch at 7:00 p.m. in what promises to be a crucial showdown for top spot in the standings. Meanwhile, the Gold Kings will host the Norfolk Mallards in their first-ever meeting this season, also at 7:00 p.m. at the John A. Ryan Arena.