Second-Period Surge Fuels Reapers: Hudson Valley Rallies Past Boston 5–3

December 14, 2025 — McCann Ice Arena, Poughkeepsie, NY

Less than 24 hours after a bruising win over Boston, the Hudson Valley Reapers showed their resilience and depth, storming back from an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Boston Gold Kings, 5–3, Sunday afternoon at McCann Ice Arena.

After being held scoreless in the opening period, Hudson Valley erupted for four goals in the second, flipping the game on its head and completing a weekend sweep powered by special teams, sustained pressure, and another strong performance in goal from Michael Rockwell.

At 2:19, Brian Bilafer opened the scoring, finishing an even-strength chance off a feed from Mike DeLisio to give the Gold Kings a quick 1–0 lead. Hudson Valley generated pressure but couldn’t solve Boston goaltender Kyle Mahan in the opening frame.

Late in the period, Boston extended its lead on the power play. With just eight seconds remaining, Matt Baldino converted at 19:52, assisted by Ernie Isamatov, sending the Reapers into the intermission trailing by two.

Just 27 seconds into the second period, Taylor Traenkle cut the deficit in half, burying an even-strength goal off a setup from Robert Clerc. The goal ignited the Reapers’ bench — and the floodgates soon opened.

At 4:04, Nick Shepheard tied the game on the power play, finishing a crisp sequence from Trevor Souza and Clerc to make it 2–2.

The Reapers took the lead at 6:37 when Jarrett Distasi snapped home an even-strength goal, assisted by Max Henry and Gavin Frack. Hudson Valley wasn’t done.

At 11:48, Frack added to the surge, scoring on the power play from Clerc and Corey Dunn, giving the Reapers a commanding 4–2 lead and capping a dominant second period in which Hudson Valley outshot Boston heavily.

At 16:43, Cam Cordio scored on the power play, assisted by Isamatov and Jon Lounsbury, cutting the deficit to 4–3 and setting up a tense finish.

But Hudson Valley held its composure. With Boston’s net empty, Taylor Traenkle sealed the victory at 19:37, scoring his second goal of the game into the empty net to restore the two-goal cushion.

Postgame Breakdown

Shots on Goal: Boston 48, Hudson Valley 46
Power Plays: Hudson Valley 2-for-5, Boston 2-for-3
Penalty Minutes: Hudson Valley 6, Boston 10

Goaltenders:

• Michael Rockwell — 45 saves on 48 shots (Win)
• Kyle Mahan- 41 saves on 45 shots (Loss)

Three Stars of the Game

1st Star- Taylor Traenkle (Hudson Valley) — 2 goals
2nd Star- Robert Clerc (Hudson Valley) — 3 assists
3rd Star- Michael Rockwell (Hudson Valley) — 45 saves on 48 shots (Win)