AMHERST — After a championship run last season, the Amherst Regional hockey team entered this campaign with a very youthful roster — especially on defense.
After a 5-2 loss to West Springfield on Friday afternoon at Orr Rink, the inexperience of the team became more apparent.
“I think our youth is showing itself,” Amherst coach Mike Rousseau said. “Last year we had some upperclassmen who could get the puck out of the zone. Right now we are panicking a bit.”
The Terriers size on the blue line kept the puck in Amherst’s zone for most of the game.
“We’d get the puck and start heading up ice and make a nonsensical hockey play,” Rousseau said. “Four of their goals started with turnovers.”
The slap shot from the point was an effective weapon for the Terriers (1-1) as Danny O’Toole and Nick DeMaio scored from just inside the blue line for West Side.
Camden Smith scored about a minute into the game for West Side.
Jake Balderston answered in the first period for the Hurricanes (1-2) with an assist from Gio Rivera. The goal gave Balderston 99 career points.
But after Balderston’s goal tied the game, West Side scored four straight to take a 5-1 lead late in the third.
“We have a lot of work to do with team defense.” Rousseau said. “It’s a five-man defensive system. When one piece breaks down all of them break down.”
Balderston came within inches of getting 100 in the third period when a shot dinged the post.
The Hurricanes are not worried about the slow start to the season.
“This is game three,” Rousseau said. “I am really confident in what we are going to be able to do once we start playing more.”
The scheduling has been sporadic so far for Amherst. The Hurricanes have played three games in 13 days, but the game against West Side was the first in nine days. Their next game is Dec. 30 against South Hadley in Holyoke.
“That’s not going to make us a very good hockey team,” Rousseau said.
Nathan Masteralexis scored a power-play goal in the third period for the Hurricanes, assisted by Max Hopley.
“Offensively we are going to be able to score goals,” Rousseau said. “But we have to do a much better job in our own zone. Where we are now is not acceptable and not where we want to be.”
Chris Bowers scored twice for West Side, winning battles for the puck in front of the net to beat Amherst goalie Clayton Bowser.
