It was great to be back at Sullivan Arena for hockey. The Goffstown Grizzlies earned a 5-4 victory that left me scrambling to describe the full 45 minutes. I settled on, a win is a win. But it was probably more than that.
The Goffstown Grizzlies played host to the Winnacunnet Warriors on Saturday afternoon. It was a home away from home game at Tri-Town Arena. After a promising first period despite the 3-1 deficit, Winnacunnet simply outclassed Goffstown while cruising to a 7-2 win.
On Saturday afternoon, the Goffstown Grizzlies traveled to Dover to play the St. Thomas Saints. Goffstown fell behind, 3-1 in the first period, and then scored a pair of goals to tie things up in the third period. Then St. Thomas scored with 77 seconds left and added an empty netter. Great game. Lots of chances. But the Grizzlies came up short.
Since Christmas the Goffstown Grizzlies played three games in the Christmas Tournament and then a league game against Lebanon-Stevens-Mascoma on January 3rd, 2024.
They have two more games before returning to Sullivan Arena (seen below) on January 27th.
After splitting the opening two games of the season, the Goffstown Grizzlies returned to home ice to play the Bearcats from Somersworth-Coe-Brown-Northwood. The Bearcats have been among the better teams in Division II, NHIAA Hockey the last few years, and on Wednesday night, Goffstown dug a deep hole for themselves before working to come all the way back.
For the second game in a row, the Grizzlies allowed only one goal. This time though, it was too much to overcome as the Alvirne-Milford Admirals skated to a 1-0 victory over the Goffstown Grizzlies.
There is a new face at the helm of the Goffstown Hockey program, and on opening night, the Grizzlies earned a 6-1 win.
May, 2023 – To My Friend, Ben – It was November, 2015 and despite having three older kids that played sports, including varsity sports at Goffstown High School, we had not experienced hockey at GHS… To My Friend, Ben
Thank you Coach Slocum, not just for the 16 years. But for the joys, the celebrations, and maybe even a few tears.
Undaunted by adversity, and what others may deem; you were fair and honest. Years weren’t about you, but rather, the team.
Your teams exceeded predictions and set records, the wins they did amass. But nobody can take away your 16 seasons of exuding class.
The program must carry on, but it, I, will miss you. And this winter when I’m in the booth, I hope you’ll be on a beach, with a view.
I know that you would be the last one to do what I am about to do, but this one, Ben, this one is all about you.
So, spring of ’23 and I roll out some words in this rhyme, a Thank You Coach Slocum, words and numbers one last time.