Boys Hockey Loses Late Lead to Wilmington [VIDEO]

Showing up at Ristuccia Arena wasn't enough for the Woburn boys hockey team, even if it appeared that it would be for just over 44 minutes.

The Tanners, widely picked as a top team in the Middlesex League and the state, outshot host Wilmington 39-12 in their season-opening tilt on Wednesday, and took a 2-1 edge into the final minute of play.

But the Wildcats clawed back when Cody McGowan jammed home the game-tying tally with 21 seconds remaining, and Woburn settled for a 2-2 draw.

"We have to play with a little more urgency," said Woburn head coach Jim Duran. "I think we think we're that good that we're going to step out on the ice and win the game, and that's just not going to happen."

Daniel Holland gave the locals a 1-0 edge with 9:06 remaining in the opening period with a power play goal from point blank range, but Wilmington's Luke Foley knotted the score with 2:46 left in the frame on a redirected power play goal of his own.

Keith Carpenter gave the Tanners another lead with 8:43 left in the second period, and the marker stood until the Wildcats' dramatic goal.

While Duran was frustrated with his team's finishing ability, Wilmington head coach Steve Scanlon was excited to earn the tie as his team started a five game stretch without two of his top line forwards due to suspension.

"There are nights when you're outplayed and you're thrilled to get a tie, and tonight was one of them," said Scanlon. "We were outplayed, but we did play hard all night."