It was another tough defeat for the Arlington High boys hockey team on Saturday night as the Spy Ponders were edged, 1-0, by visiting Wilmington at Ed Burns Arena.
The Spy Ponders record dipped to 3-8-1 overall with the defeat. Five of the eight Arlington losses have been by just one goal.
“We played pretty well,” said Arlington first-year coach John Messuri afterward. “We just have to learn how to compete late.”
The lone tally came with just under two minutes remaining in the game as Dalton Rolli scored, assisted by Cam Owens.
Wilmington, who improved to 7-3-3 with the win, outshot the Spy Ponders, 35-18, as goalie Drew Foley posted the shutout.
John Lepore was the tough-luck loser in net as he made 34 stops.
On Jan. 25, the Spy Ponders traveled to the Ice Palace to take on Burlington and ended up losing, 3-1.
“They are the best team in the league,” said Messuri. “They are a Super Eight team.”
The Red Devils scored all three of their goals in the opening period. Brett Romkey scored just 27 seconds into the game on a rebound.
Joe Berardi gave the home team a 2-0 lead with 2:40 left in the period and Trevor Cimino scored the final one with just two seconds remaining in the period.
Arlington steadily improved throughout the game, which started to get chippy, especially in the third period.
The lone Spy Ponder tally took place with just two seconds left in the game when Mike Greco scored, assisted by Quigley.
Arlington was out shot, 41-17, as Spy Ponder goalie Luke Tremblay made 38 saves.
Arlington’s next game is Saturday afternoon as they visit Belmont at 2:30. Next Monday night, the Spy Ponders play old Greater Boston League rival, Medford, at Ed Burns Arena in a non-league game. Faceoff is at 6 p.m. for that game.