The opening games of multiple NCDC playoff series got underway on March 30, with several tightly contested matchups setting the tone for the postseason.
South Shore Kings 2, Islanders Hockey Club 1
South Shore struck twice in the third period to erase a 1-0 deficit and take Game 1 over the Islanders Hockey Club. Eli Heinze tied the game early in the third before Andrew Jensen netted the game-winner late. Avan Pyle had opened the scoring for IHC.
South Shore Kings lead series 1-0
Utica Jr. Comets 4, Worcester Railers JHC 2
Joshua Galizia led the way with a hat trick as Utica pulled away from Worcester to claim Game 1 of the division final. After a back-and-forth opening two periods, Utica sealed it with two third-period goals, including Galizia’s third of the night.
Utica Jr. Comets lead series 1-0
P.A.L. Junior Islanders 1, Mercer Chiefs 0
In a defensive battle, the P.A.L. Junior Islanders edged the Mercer Chiefs behind a second-period goal from Shawn Swaeley. The Islanders held firm the rest of the way to secure the shutout victory.
P.A.L. Junior Islanders lead series 1-0
Rockets Hockey Club 6, Jersey Hitmen 5 (OT)
In the highest-scoring game of the day, the Rockets Hockey Club outlasted the Jersey Hitmen in overtime. After building a 3-0 first-period lead, the Rockets saw the Hitmen storm back, but Blake Baksay delivered the overtime winner to seal Game 1.
Rockets Hockey Club lead series 1-0
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