On Feb. 5, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s ice hockey team beat the North Broward Preparatory Eagles with a score of 4-3 in a shootout at the Panthers Ice Den in Coral Springs.
It was a heavily anticipated playoff game, and the MSD Eagles wanted revenge. Seeking the first win against North Broward in seven years, MSD came out with a chip on their shoulder. North Broward opened up the scoring, but it was not long before senior captain Matthew Hauptman (51) put the Eagles back in the game.
One more score from both North Broward and MSD resulted in a 2-2 tie going into the third period. A late goal with 11 minutes left from junior forward Tommy Frank (66) gave MSD the second lead of the game.
A resurgence from North Broward lead to a goal with 2:32 remaining to tie the game at 3-3. After a four-on-three power play in overtime resulted in no goals, there was 1:14 left on the clock. Time ran out with no scoring from either side.
Next was the shootout. The five-men round proved no victor, so the extra rounds were necessary. Junior forward Ross Zoutte (97) showed his talents with the game-winning shot. MSD secured its first victory in seven seasons against North Broward.
“Last night’s game was probably one of the biggest wins in Douglas hockey history because we haven’t beat North Broward in close to eight years. This win really means a lot to the seniors on the team,” senior forward Ronnie Froetschel (71) said.
The Eagles do not have another game until the statewide competition in which the two best teams from the two leagues across Florida go head-to-head. The Germain Arena in Germain, Florida will host the competition in two weeks from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25.
