The Burrillville Broncos boys hockey team showed why they're contenders on Saturday evening with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Smithfield Sentinals. The Broncos came out with more energy in the first period, scoring the lone goal of the period. Steve Rodrigues put it in the back of the net after an assist from Patrick Murphy created a perfect scoring opportunity. Besides that, both goalies stood tall in the first period and it ended in a 1-0 Broncos lead.
The second period started with Smithfield's goalie, Matthew Bradley, making some really nice saves to start the period. The Sentinals fed off of that energy and tied this one up when William Hawkins scored a power play goal, assisted by Nate Goffe. The Broncos wasted no time getting back on top though, when Sean Farrell scored about three minutes later to retake the lead. Steve Rodrigues assisted on the goal, tallying his second point of the game.
Both teams battled back and forth for the remainder of the second period, but Steve Rodrigues snuck in another goal before the conclusion of the period. He put this one right between the goalies pads from the top of the face off circle, assisted by Patrick Poisson and Ethan Murphy. The Broncos headed into their locker room with a 3-1 lead going into the third period.
The third period began with a few Smithfield chances that they simply were not able to capitalize on. Broncos goalie Michael Fiyod stood on his head all night, allowing only 1 goal for the 2nd consecutive game. Burrillville wasn't done putting the biscuit in the oven though, as Patrick Murphy tacked on an unassisted goal to make this one 4-1 after he got around a Sentinals defender with a great move. The game ended with an empty net goal from Patrick Poisson, resulting in the 5-1 Broncos victory.
Burrillville left no doubt in this one, taking advantage of their scoring opportunities nearly every chance they got. Smithfield had some of their own chances but just were not able to convert, in large part due to the stellar play of Michael Fiyod. It may be early, but the Broncos showed how good they can be in this victory. If they continue to improve, watch out for Steve Rodrigues and the Burrillville Broncos.