WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Despite a standout performance in goal by sophomore Kaleb Sanderson, the Hartford High Hurricanes were unable to generate enough offense and fell to Burr & Burton Academy, 2-1, in a Philippe H. Bouthillier Holiday Classic matchup Tuesday at Wendell A. Barwood Arena.
With the game tied 1-1 in the closing minute of regulation, Bulldogs sophomore Chase Mears beat Sanderson with just 18.4 seconds remaining to lift Burr & Burton to the win.
“It was obvious that Burr & Burton was far more skilled than us. They were faster than us, and they obviously outshot us about four to one,” Hartford head coach Todd Bebeau said. “But at the end of the day, we brought this thing right to the end.”
“That’s all I can ask from my kids — to play hard, compete hard and represent what our program is all about,” he added. “I’m really proud of the way the kids played tonight.”
Sanderson was a major reason Hartford remained competitive, finishing with 48 saves in regulation.
“That’s what I expect out of Kaleb — and out of all three goalies,” Bebeau said. “When people leave the rink, whoever we play, we want them to say, ‘Boy, that goalie was good. It was hard to beat that kid.’”
“He did what I envision all three goalies being able to do — be the best player on the ice — and he was by far the best player on the ice,” Bebeau added.
After a scoreless first period, Burr & Burton struck first. Junior Richard Volski scored with 12:47 remaining in the second period to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
Hartford responded quickly as senior Carter Williams capitalized on a defensive lapse, skated free on a breakaway and buried the shot to tie the game at 1-1 with 10:38 left in the second.
The remainder of the period passed without scoring, setting the stage for a third period that featured sustained offensive pressure from Burr & Burton. Sanderson turned aside chance after chance to keep Hartford level until the very end.
Looking ahead, Bebeau said his focus remains on development rather than results.
“Whether that brings wins or not, that’s not my focus right now,” he said. “My focus is on having the kids understand that there’s more to the game of hockey than just winning and losing.
“The wins will come,” he added. “If you’re better in February than you were in December, things are going to take care of themselves.”
Hartford (0-4) faces Lebanon on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. on the consolation game of the Bouthillier Holiday Classic.