The Wayland-Watertown boys varsity co-op hockey team lost 4-3 in sudden-death overtime to Wilmington on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at John A. Ryan Arena in Watertown.

The game remained close throughout, with Watertown’s Logan DeRosiers scoring early. Watertown junior Lukas Wynn added two goals in the second and third periods, both assisted by Watertown junior Luke Egan. The game stayed tied for most of the third period before heading to overtime. The five-minute, four-on-four overtime remained scoreless until the final minute, when Wilmington scored the game-winner.

The team still has a chance to make the playoffs despite its 2-13 record. Because of the team’s strength of schedule and its opponents’ high ranking, it is currently ranked No. 29 in Division III.  The top 32 teams qualify for the playoffs.

“It was a tough loss, but I think the boys played well and really fought hard, made a good comeback, but rough ending there,” junior Theodore Henrich said. “I think the team needs to work on starting strong and having a better first period. That first goal really set us on a good path, and then we followed it up in the third period coming out of the gate strong. We just have to focus on getting our passing a little crisper for a better breakout in the defensive zone.”

Gallery • 9 Photos

Credit: Brandon Hill

Sophomore Mikey Philbin skates with the puck, weaving through traffic. Philbin recently returned after an arm injury sidelined him for more than two weeks.