Norfolk Mallards Topple Holyoke Papermen in High-Scoring Battle

Norfolk Mallards Topple Holyoke Papermen in High-Scoring Battle

December 14, 2024

Attleboro, Ma at New England Sports Village

Holyoke Papermen vs Norfolk Mallards

Attleboro, MA- December 14, 2024- In an intense and fast-paced game, the Norfolk Mallards came out on top, defeating the Holyoke Papermen 6-4 in a thrilling matchup for their first win of the season. Both teams traded goals throughout the contest, but Norfolk’s offensive firepower, led by Jack Halloran, ultimately proved too much for the Papermen to overcome.

The game kicked off with an early strike by the Holyoke Papermen at 16:21 of the first period. JD Anderson, assisted by Brody Trew, found the back of the net to give the Papermen a 1-0 lead. However, Norfolk responded quickly, with Joey Briffett scoring the equalizer at 5:19 of the first. The Mallards then took the lead on a power-play goal from Jack Halloran at 2:15, assisted by David Piela, putting Norfolk ahead 2-1.

As the second period unfolded, the scoring continued in rapid succession. Holyoke’s Brody Trew tied the game at 19:39, with JD Anderson assisting on the goal to make it 2-2. But Norfolk regained the lead at 16:49, thanks to another even-strength goal by Halloran, assisted by Piela. The Papermen capitalized on the power play, with Trew scoring his second goal of the game, assisted by Kyle Levere and Zack Lillie, to knot things up again at 3-3. Norfolk was quick to respond once more. At 8:39, Halloran completed his hat trick with another even-strength goal, assisted by Zachary Lewis and Piela, giving the Mallards a 4-3 lead.

The third period saw more action as the Mallards extended their advantage. At 13:01, Halloran struck once again, this time assisted by Josh Hogue, to make it 5-3 and complete a remarkable four-goal performance. Holyoke fought back, with JD Anderson scoring his second goal of the game at 11:24, assisted by Trew, to cut the deficit to 5-4.

With the Papermen pressing late in the game, Norfolk sealed the victory with a goal from Zachary Lewis at 0:45, unassisted, to make it 6-4 and put the game out of reach.

Despite the high-scoring nature of the game, the goalies both had strong performances. Norfolk’s Jeremiah Sylvia faced 42 shots, stopping 38 of them for a .905 save percentage. Meanwhile, Holyoke’s Chris Holland was tasked with stopping 34 shots, saving 28 for a .824 save percentage. Both goalies were under heavy fire, but Sylvia’s timely saves and the Mallards’ offensive depth made the difference.

Three Stars

1. Jack Halloran- Norfolk- 4 Goals

2. Brody Trew- Holyoke- 2 Goals 2 Assists

3. David Piela- Norfolk- 3 Assists

Looking Ahead

Both teams will be back on the ice on 12/21. Norfolk will look to keep things rolling as Salem Sasquatch bring their 3-game win streak to town. Holyoke will head home to play the Boston Gold Kings where both teams will be looking to get in the win column.