Ben Watkins’ 100th point materialized in the same way many of his South Hadley hockey career have: by living in front of the net.
His linemate Michael Mazza fired a shot that bounced of Chicopee goalie Kelsey Czerniawski and right to Watkins’ waiting stick 3 minutes, 54 seconds into the second period. Watkins wristed it into the net for his 100th point and 54th career goal.
“It’s a spot I like to be ready to take a shot on net,” Watkins said. “I just wanted to get it out of the way and get on with the season. It definitely felt like it was hanging over my head.”
Watkins peeled right toward the boards after the horn rang, but Mazza raced to be the first one to hug him and celebrate.
“It was special. We’ve been linemates for a while now,” Mazza said. “Out of anyone he deserves it the most. He works the hardest.”
Watkins’ goal sparked a three-score rally by the Tigers, and they tied Chicopee 4-4 on Monday at Smead Arena in Springfield. The Pacers took the lead 14 seconds into the game from the first faceoff.
South Hadley (8-3-1, 2-3-1 Fay) leveled the game seven minutes later on an Aiden Sullivan goal from Joe Cigal, but Chicopee was back up by the time another 14 seconds passed.
The Tigers trailed 4-1 in the second period before Watkins’ goal stopped the bleeding.
“The kid gives 110 percent every day,” South Hadley coach Larry Camus said. “He’s a team leader. That’s why he’s the captain. He works hard.”
Watkins and Mazza assisted Ryan Tucker, their newly inserted linemate, in the third period to cut Chicopee’s deficit to 1.
Camden Pete finished the comeback and tied the game at 4 with an unassisted goal.
It’s a testament to the heart this team has,” Mazza said. “It was not looking good in the beginning.”
Anthony Cigal stopped 35 shots for the Tigers, who have eight games left and are three points from qualifying for the tournament. The 2017 champions missed last year’s postseason and are focused on returning for another run.
“It feels like we’ve had trouble putting a whole game together,” Watkins said. “Either we’ll have a hot start or pull it together at the end.”
Now Watkins, a four-year varsity Tiger, can turn his entire attention to that goal without the 100-point milestone in the back of his brain.
“I want to thank my coaches and my team for getting me where I am today,” he said.
Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com. Follow him on Twitter @kylegrbwsk.