Gold Kings Roll Past Papermen: Boston’s Depth Shines in 7–2 Win at Ryan Arena

January 3, 2026 — John A. Ryan Skating Arena, Watertown, MA

The Boston Gold Kings opened the new year in authoritative fashion Saturday night, using balanced scoring, steady goaltending, and early momentum to secure a 7–2 victory over the Holyoke Papermen at John A. Ryan Skating Arena.

Boston scored twice in the opening six minutes and never looked back, getting goals from five different skaters while limiting Holyoke’s offense at even strength. Despite a competitive shot total, the Papermen struggled to keep pace as the Gold Kings methodically extended their lead across all three periods.

The Gold Kings wasted no time setting the tone. Just 53 seconds after puck drop, Brandon Garneau opened the scoring at even strength, finishing a feed from Drew Carney to give Boston an early 1–0 edge. Boston doubled the lead at 5:51 when CJ Grinnell found space in the slot and buried a pass from Matt Baldino and Dave MacKenzie, putting Holyoke on its heels.

The Papermen answered at 13:22, capitalizing on a moment of momentum when Sean Egan slipped a puck past the Boston netminder off assists from Patrick Fleming and JD Anderson, cutting the deficit to 2–1.

Boston seized control early in the second. At 3:06, JT Freedman restored the two-goal cushion, finishing a play started by MacKenzie. Less than three minutes later, Dave MacKenzie struck himself, burying a feed from Matt Baldino and Christian Baldino to make it 4–1.

The Papermen’s chances to respond were limited, and Boston made them pay again at 10:24, when Christian Baldino converted on the power play, with assists from Matt Baldino and Jon Lounsbury, pushing the lead to 5–1.

The Gold Kings continued their steady march in the third. At 2:08, Christian Baldino netted his second of the night at even strength, finishing a pass from Chris Maher to make it 6–1.

Boston added one more at 9:46, as MacKenzie capped a strong performance with his second goal of the game, assisted by Ryan Drizen and Brian Cebula.

Holyoke managed a late power-play marker at 18:55, with Danny Loughlin scoring off assists from Beau Kass and JD Anderson, but it did little to change the outcome.

Postgame Breakdown

Shots on Goal

Boston- 37

Holyoke- 36

Power Plays

Penalty Minutes

Goaltenders

Coming up

Three Stars of the Game

1st Star- Dave MacKenzie (Boston) — 2 goals, 2 assists
2nd Star- Christian Baldino (Boston) — 2 goals, 1 assist
3rd Star- Mike Cowell (Boston) — 34 saves on 36 shots (win)