(HAVERHILL VALLEY FORUM) The Malden/East Boston Mites skated to a 3-2 overtime victory over Methuen in the Valley Championship. MEB spotted Methuen the first two goals before mounting a great come from behind victory. Jake Simpson had the first two goals with an assist to John Summers. Chris Cecca sent the boys home happy with a beautiful wrist shot 2 minutes into overtime that beat the Methuen goalie and sent the MEB skaters, coaches, and family members into a frenzy. Chris Hanifan was spectacular in net making 20 saves and helped shut down Methuen for the final two periods and overtime. The tone of the game changed on a Jonathan Monge checking penalty that seemed to send a message to Methuen that MEB should not be fooled with on this day. A strong defensive effort by Will Fosdick, Cristian Monge, Ryan Thomas, and Summers kept the Methuen forwards back. The backchecking and pressure of Anthony Messina, Ryan Jones, Joe Hurley, Lukas Deguire, and Chad Robertson kept Methuen on their toes all game. The Mites were coached by Jon Fosdick, Bill Hanifan, Joe Hurley, and Tom Robertson. – Bill Hanifan.
