FRAMINGHAM — The annual Connecticut/Massachusetts Cross-Border High School Hockey All-Star Challenge has always provided some of the top athletes in New England an opportunity to play on a grand stage. For the past 10 years however, the showcase had always been held in the Constitution State.
On Sunday, the Bay State had its first crack at hosting the events, and sent many of its fans home happy in the process. St. John’s (Shrewsbury) standout Luke Gerardi registered a hat trick, as Massachusetts won the sophomore/junior game in convincing fashion with a 6-2 drubbing.
“It’s obviously a privilege to be here in the first place,” said Gerardi. “It’s amazing to do what I did. I just want to thank my coaches for nominating me, and giving me this opportunity.”
It only took a few moments for Gerardi to leave a lasting impression, as he forced a turnover off a forecheck. The St. John’s junior spotted Central Catholic’s Tyler Hamilton racing up ice, and fed his teammate the puck. Like a pinball sequence, Hamilton tapped it right back to Gerardi in front of a wide open net, and he notched his first goal to give Massachusetts a 1-0 edge with 13:04 to play in the opening period. Concord-Carlisle’s Jay Carter and Lincoln Hennessy of Quincy tacked on goals as the Bay State took a 3-1 lead into the second.
With 4:45 remaining in the ensuing period, Gerardi sprung himself free for a breakaway, and capitalized as Massachusetts seized a 4-1 advantage.
Later on with 11:05 left in regulation, Gerardi put the finishing touches on his incredible performance. After Hingham’s Travis Rugg and Essex Tech junior Armani Booth set up the play, the St. John’s star sniped his third goal to complete the hat trick, and Massachusetts was off and running with a 5-1 lead.
“Saw (Booth) go behind the net,” Gerardi recounted. “I got loose in the slot. Once I got that puck, I just wanted the hat trick. So, I just ripped it.”
In addition to his three goals, Gerardi tacked on an assist. He was named the game’s Most Valuable Player for Massachusetts.
Braintree junior Larry Graziano added a goal to close things out with 1:47 remaining, while Rugg capped his game with a pair of assists.
Junior goaltender Jayson Gherlone of Amity High School was named Connecticut’s MVP.
Nick Kondub of Masuk and Dom Violette from Rocky Hill netted goals in the effort.
For Oliver Ames’ Jim Tierney, it was an honor to serve as head coach for Massachusetts.
“It feels like a nice tie to the end of the season,” said Tierney. “Like I said, it’s cool. It’s an awesome experience for these kids. It was cool to just be able to be on the bench, and watch some of the best players in Mass. go at it.”