Third-Period Takeover: Papermen Erupt Late to Roll Past Norfolk, 7–3

December 20, 2025 — Olympia Ice Center, West Springfield, MA

The Holyoke Papermen turned a tight, physical contest into a runaway win Saturday night, erupting for six third-period goals to overpower the Norfolk Mallards, 7–3, at Olympia Ice Center.

After trailing late into the second period, Holyoke flipped the game with relentless forechecking, timely special-teams execution, and a third-period avalanche that buried a Norfolk team that had no answer for the Papermen’s speed or depth. The night also featured multiple fights and escalating physicality that matched the intensity of the scoreline.

Norfolk wasted no time grabbing the early momentum. Just 31 seconds into the game, Ben Giovanella opened the scoring at even strength, finishing a chance created by Zachary Lewis to give the Mallards a 1–0 lead.

Holyoke answered at 6:11, as Noah Hemenway evened the score with a clean finish off a pass from Max Moriarty. The period remained physical and chippy, with scrums after nearly every whistle. Norfolk regained the lead at 13:42 when David Duffy scored at even strength, assisted by Dylan Marchand and Giovanella.

The Mallards extended their lead midway through the second period when Dylan Marchand scored at 14:46, finishing a setup from Patrick Keenan to make it 3–1.

At 4:28, the game boiled over as Patrick Fleming and Kyle Mastroianni dropped the gloves in a spirited fight following a boarding call, igniting both benches and energizing the building.

At 1:14 of the 3rd, Hemenway struck again, cutting the deficit to one off feeds from Moriarty and Brody Trew. The equalizer followed quickly at 6:31, as Max Moriarty finished an even-strength chance set up by Hemenway.

The Papermen took the lead for good at 9:07, when Danny Loughlin buried a goal from Fleming and JD Anderson, making it 4–3 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Holyoke’s power play delivered at 14:01, with Hemenway completing his hat trick on the man advantage, again assisted by Moriarty. Just over three minutes later, Moriarty answered back, scoring his second of the night at 17:37 to make it 6–3.

Holyoke capped the night at 19:50 when Mark Laviolette added a late even-strength goal to finalize the score.

Postgame Breakdown

Shots on Goal

• Holyoke- 57
• Norfolk- 35

Power Plays

• Holyoke- 1-for-6
• Norfolk- 0-for-3

Penalty Minutes

• Holyoke- 34
• Norfolk- 33

Goaltenders

• Holyoke: Tayvon Bozeman– 35 saves on 35 shots (Win)
• Norfolk: Justin Koulalis– 50 saves on 56 shots (Loss)

Coming up

• 1/3 Holyoke at Boston at 7:20pm @ John A Ryan Arena
• 1/3 Norfolk at Hudson Valley at 7:00pm @ McCann Arena

Three Stars of the Game

1st Star- Noah Hemenway (Holyoke) — 3 goals, 2 assists
2nd Star- Max Moriarty (Holyoke) — 2 goals, 3 assists
3rd Star- Ben Giovanella (Norfolk) — 1 goal, 1 assist