The Newburyport hockey team's 12-game unbeaten streak against Triton means nothing to Clippers coach Paul Yameen.
He believes Triton has the upper hand when the River Rivals take the ice tomorrow for their second meeting this season, exactly one month after the 3-3 tie Jan. 11.
"I think they're the favorite," Yameen said. "To be honest, I think they outplayed us the first time."
That point could be argued by fans of both teams, as the game was played about as even as the final score. Both teams controlled play for extended stretches, and the one constant from the game was the hitting on both sides.
What makes the matchup so intriguing this season is the similar styles, which is a marked difference from the previous 11 meetings in which the Clippers posted a mark of 9-0-2. Under second-year coach Drew Wile, Triton (12-4-1 overall, 10-1-1 CAL) has jumped to the top of the Cape Ann League standings with a physical, relentless approach. On the other hand, Newburyport (8-4-3 overall, 7-3-2 CAL) has parlayed its physical play to appearances at two state championship games at the TD Garden in the last three years.
"We're a different team than we were a month ago, and they're a different team, too," Yameen said. "We're very similar in styles, so it should be a lot of fun."
In the immediate aftermath of last month's game, the teams went in different directions. The Clippers struggled up until that point, exiting the tie with a record of 2-4-2. On the other hand, Triton had a strong start to the season; the Newburyport tie gave the Vikings a record of 6-2-1.
The physical contest appeared to give the Clippers the boost they needed, and they haven't lost since. They are 6-0-1 in their last seven games. On the other hand, the Vikings seemed to have the wind taken out of their sails, losing two of their next five games. They have regained momentum of late, earning wins in their last three games.
Another tie with Newburyport would be a welcome result for Triton in its pursuit of its first CAL title since 2006. The Vikings currently sit two games ahead of Lynnfield (13-2-1 overall, 9-2-1 CAL) with two games to play for each team. Triton's final league game is against Pentucket (2-13-1), a game it will be favored to win. The Vikings can clinch the CAL title with three points in their final two games.
"This will be a tournament type of game," Yameen said. "From here on out, that's the way it will be. Their league title is on the line, and we're jockeying for position in the state-tournament rankings. We both have a lot riding on it."
Triton's potential state champs
As many as 10 Triton wrestlers may compete in the Division 3 Individual Championships tonight and tomorrow at Pittsfield High.
Eight Vikings qualified with their performances last week at the Division 3 North Team Championships, and two earned spots as alternates.
Last year, Triton's Cody Miller, who graduated in the spring, earned Triton's first state title since 1995. This year, three Vikings have reasonable shots at repeating Miller's feat.
Senior Bryan Giblin (182 lbs.) earned the North Sectional's Most Outstanding Wrestler last week, and he will enter tonight's meet as the No. 2 seed in his weight class. Junior Victor Ramirez (106 lbs.) will also wrestle as a No. 2 seed. Triton's third sectional champion, Mark Rosmarinofski (120 lbs.) will be a No. 3 seed.
Up for a 5K?
The Frosty Knuckle 5K will be run tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at Salisbury Beach. The half-road, half-beach run will finish at Chef Howie's Hobo Cafe. Chili and cocoa will be provided to all runners, and beer samplings will be available for the over-21 crowd.
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