Massachusetts high school hockey championship ends with a buzzer-beater (and controversy)
The Division 1 final in Massachusetts ended with a buzzer-beater on Sunday. But the debate about if the goal should have been allowed is still on-going.
Johnny Tighe’s goal for St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Massachusetts) lifted his team to a win over Winchester (Winchester, Massachusetts) and a state title. But should the goal have even counted?
It appears that Tighe’s shot came after the green light behind the goal lit up, indicating that the clock on the scoreboard turned 00.0. But the officials ruled that the shot came before time had expired.
There is no video replay in Massachusetts high school hockey.
The light is on a split moment before Tighe fired his shot past Aiden Emerick in Winchester’s goal.
You be the judge? Did St. John’s get the game-winner before the light behind the goal goes on?
GOAL OR NO GOAL?!
ST. JOHN’S PREP BEATS THE BUZZER TO WIN THE MASS D1 HIGHSCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 18, 2024
In New Jersey, a state playoff basketball game at the buzzer also recently drew controversy. Except in the basketball game, the rightful team was denied their winning basket at the buzzer.
An imperfect and flawed world, isn’t it?
In defeat, Winchester handled the controversy with dignity. According to the Boston Herald, Winchester head coach Gino Khachadourian took the high road in talking about the end of the game.
“It’s a tough way to lose,” Khachadourian said per the Boston Herald.
“I feel bad for them. They gave everything and they’re all distraught in (the locker room). … They’re a great group of kids and they’re a class act, and they know we’ll walk out of here with our heads high, and wish St. John’s Prep the best. They won the championship.”