MIke Palmer scored two goals for the Indians Saturday night against the Patriots.
Photo credit: Jeremy Rice

GRAFTON, Mass. - The Grafton/BVT boys hockey team moved one step closer to a playoff berth Saturday at Buffone Arena Worcester, shutting out North Middlesex, 3-0, to pull the Indians' record even on the season.

"We were a little nervous after the first period with a 1-0 lead," said coach Mike Mazzola. "But we had a great third period and broke the game open."

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Grafton/BVT (7-7-2) and kept their hopes alive for a playoff berth. The Indians tied the Patriots, 2-2, earlier this season, and won the season series with goaltender Ian Milosz's first shutout of the season.

Mike Palmer led the team with two of its three goals, with one in the first period and another in the third. Cory Hetu scored the final goal to ice the game.

Mike Moran had two assists in the game. Rob Ekross, Conner Byrnes, Jake Belanger and Darren Richard each had one.

Grafton/BVT needs two more wins in its final four games to secure a playoff spot. The next two are winnable games at Littleton/Bromfield (1-14-1) and home against Assabet/Maynard (5-9-1).

The Indians finish the season with home games against Northbridge/Uxbridge (9-5) and Milford (8-7-1).

Grafton/BVT has a week off until its next game, Saturday, Feb. 11 at Littleton.